Chicago Cubs: Jason Heyward dedicates clutch three-run homer to former teammate on his birthday |
| - - Sunday, September 13, 2020 12:51 AM |
MILWAUKEE — Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward played for the Atlanta Braves from 2010-14, making an All-Star Game appearance in his rookie season and winning two Gold Glove Awards while in Atlanta. Heyward is still close with some of his former Braves teammates, including star Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman.
Heyward stepped up in a major way in the Cubs' clash with the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, swatting a go-ahead three-run blast in the top of the ninth that proved to be the winning hit. The Cubs went on to win 4-2 at Miller Park, and Heyward's sixth homer of the season broke the Cubs out a scoring slump that included a 1-0 shutout loss to the Brewers on Friday.
In his postgame press conference, Heyward revealed that Freeman inspired him to go yard on the evening, as Freeman celebrated his 31st birthday on Saturday. Evidently, Freeman promised Heyward that he homer on Heyward's birthday, which was Aug. 9, and he did, so Heyward made a promise to himself that he would hit a dinger on Freeman's birthday, which he did. Heyward told reporters that he planned on texting Freeman to effectively dedicate the three-run round-tripper to his birthday, making for an awesome moment shared between former teammates.
Read the full transcription of Heyward's exchange about Freeman:
Jason Heyward said his go-ahead homer tonight was a birthday present for his good friend Freddie Freeman. Cc: @mlbbowman pic.twitter.com/EeqqBvfHHx
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 13, 2020
Check out the highlights of Heyward's go-ahead three-run jack:
J-H3Y!@BinnysBev pic.twitter.com/n56Oq8GFec
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 13, 2020
J-Hey hits a clutch 3 as time expires. pic.twitter.com/ZIGP4399eH
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 13, 2020
FUN! pic.twitter.com/iVcZ4F6u84
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 13, 2020
Watch Jason Heyward give a 'Wakanda Forever' salute after his 9th inning, go-ahead 3-run HR. #BlackPanther @Cubs #GoCubsGo pic.twitter.com/ybp5H35lcA
— Billy Krumb (@ClubhouseCancer) September 13, 2020
A picture is worth 1,000 words.
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 13, 2020
These pictures were worth 4 BIG runs. pic.twitter.com/nLM0rMAz3U
#Cubs 3 @ #Brewers 2 [T9-1o]:
— Home Run Tracker (@DingerTracker) September 13, 2020
Jason Heyward homers (6): line drive to CF (3-run)
Hit: 416ft, 102.6mph, 27°??
Pitch: 95.2mph Four-Seam Fastball (LHP Josh Hader, 1)
