WATCH: Lester shows out in nearly every phase of game |
CHICAGO — In a no-decision start against the New York Mets on Monday, Chicago Cubs ace Jon Lester showed out in nearly every phase of the game, getting it done on the mound, in the field and at the plate.
While toeing the rubber, Lester was solid, as he overcame three early runs and pitched six innings before exiting. However, Lester's true highlights came from the other aspects of his game. Once considered a lackluster hitter, Lester has come around with a bat in his hands in recent seasons, and, in the bottom of the third versus the Mets, Lester showcased just how far that he has come by making perfect contact on a clutch two-out single to left-center that plated two runs and gave the Cubs a 4-3 lead. A few innings later, Lester shattered yet another preconceived notion about him by successfully enacting a pick-off play. Infamous for his frequent struggles in throwing over to first base from the mound, Lester suffered no such troubles when he made Mets shortstop Amed Rosario pay for testing his arm. With Rosario taking a sizable lead off first base, Lester rifled a perfect throw to Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, and Rosario was tagged out in a rundown soon afterward. Despite the impressiveness of the two aforementioned plays, Lester's greatest feat on the night came in the form of a web gem that 34-year-old pitchers are not supposed to pull off. In the top of the sixth, Mets second baseman Jose Reyes lined a shot right back at Lester, who proceeded to glove the baseball while falling to the ground. In the process of dropping down to avoid being hit by the line drive, Lester was somehow able to simultaneously snag the ball. Showcasing his averse skill set, Lester proved why, even in his mid-30s, he is still the workhorse of the Cubs' starting rotation. Some people say @JLester34 is the most complete player in @MLB. pic.twitter.com/QYv7PSFMNo
