WATCH: Highlights of Cubs' riveting clash with Padres, including ninth-inning drama |
CHICAGO — Despite nearly wasting a three-run advantage in the final inning, the Chicago Cubs (63-46) came out smelling like a rose against the San Diego Padres (43-69) after coming up clutch in the face of adversity in the top of the ninth. Winning 5-4, the Cubs used a pair of solo jacks from Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo, as well as several key late-game plays, to trump the Padres at home.
Cubs relief pitcher Pedro Strop, who is currently filling in for the injured Brandon Morrow as Chicago's closer, found himself in a jam soon after entering to start the ninth. However, with one out and the Cubs leading by one, third baseman David Bote helped ease the pressure off Strop by making a perfect throw home on a tough play to set up the tag out of the potential tying runner. Thereafter, Strop earned the winning strikeout to close out the 5-4 win and prevent a Cubs letdown.
