WATCH: Baez pulls off incredible go-ahead score by stealing home |
QUEENS — The Chicago Cubs took a 2-0 lead over the New York Mets in the top of the seventh on Sunday, stealing three bases in an inning that featured top-notch base running.
Reaping the benefits of bench coach Brandon Hyde and third-base coach Brian Butterfield's acclaimed base-running prowess, the Cubs converted small ball into two critical runs. The most incredible play of the inning came in the form of a double steal that made the Mets look foolish. Javier Baez led off the inning with a single and made it to third due to a wily base-running choice on an ensuing single by Willson Contreras. With runners on the corners and no outs, the Cubs then opted to play head games in order to score their first run. Contreras, who is not exactly a threat to steal a base, wandered conspicuously far from first base early on during the at-bat following his own. Left-handed Mets pitcher Steven Matz, who was not watching Baez at third base, took the bait by throwing over to first base. Contreras took off for second base, while Baez motored home. Mets first baseman Adrian Gonzalez attempted to throw Baez out at home, but "El Mago" slid in safely to break the scoreless tie. We should be more surprised that @javy23baez stole home. pic.twitter.com/orxzsL0UTs Scored as a double steal, the ingenious play enthralled the Cubs, with the players in the dugout mobbing bench coach Brandon Hyde, who was likely responsible for calling the double steal. The play marked Baez's eighth steal of the year and third career theft of home. #ElMago pic.twitter.com/1xowTmk9AQ
