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Down to their last strike, the Chicago Cubs’ Javier Baez tied the game in the ninth with a RBI single. Kris Bryant then dealt the crushing blow with a two-run home run in the 10th inning to seal the deal.
The Chicago Cubs’ Jake Arrieta was impressive in his first start back, allowing just one run over five innings. But for the first time in a while, the bullpen simply couldn’t hold the lead–no thanks to the umpire. Pedro Strop allowed the tying run to score, and couldn’t help but show some frustration towards the umpire. Justin Wilson then came in, allowing the go-ahead single to Eric Thames, and Miller Park was ready to explode.
But the Cubs weren’t done yet. A hustling Ian Happ beat a throw on a play at first. That would turn out to be one of the biggest plays of the game. With two out and down to their last strike, Baez laced a single into center to tie the game. A rather intriguing ninth lead to some high-blood pressure for the Cubs, but Wade Davis would eventually get out of the jam. In the 10th, it was Kris Bryant‘s clutch two-run home run that would lift the Cubs to victory and help the magic number shrink to 6.
Baez has played great while Addison Russell has been out. But let’s not kid ourselves. This is a better team with Russell in the lineup. You can bicker about who should play at shortstop–Baez or Russell–but that’s a win-win for the Cubs. This team needed Russell back on the field, and he’s already showing why he can make a difference.
These and other stories you might have missed:
‘Davis closes door after KB homer lifts Cubs to win’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Cubs better with Russell at shortstop’ – Cubbies Crib
‘It’s okay to not like the Brewers’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Weekend showdown will decide NL Central’ – Cubbies Crib
‘If the season ended today..’ – MLB.com
#Cubs on Twitter
#KBoom.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 22, 2017
5-3 #Cubs in the 10th. pic.twitter.com/ujIt0hLZPk
Kris Bryant has tied Ernie Banks with his 93rd homer for most home runs by a #Cubs player through four seasons. He is playing in his third.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) September 22, 2017
Kris Bryant has tied Ernie Banks with his 93rd homer for most home runs by a #Cubs player through four seasons. He is playing in his third.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) September 22, 2017
Next: Still trust in Theo's plan? You should
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