WATCH: Baez makes perfect relay throw to gun down runner at plate

Cole Little · Senior Writer · Sunday, August 19 2018

PITTSBURGH — In the bottom of the seventh of the Chicago Cubs' clash with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, Cubs infielder Javier Baez prevented the Pirates from taking the lead with a perfect relay throw home.

The Pirates had a man on first base with two outs in the seventh and the game tied at 1-1 when Starling Marte doubled to deep left field. Kevin Newman attempted to come around from first base to score on the play, thereby challenging Baez's arm after "El Mago," who was manning shortstop, received the throw from left fielder Kyle Schwarber.

Throwing a dart to catcher Willson Contreras, Baez earned an assist, as Contreras tagged Newman out during the course of Newman's headfirst slide into the plate. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle challenged the play, as he felt that Contreras was illegally blocking the plate. However, the call stood, and Baez's perfect throw kept the game tied.