Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez was at it again Thursday, creating havoc on the basepaths that led to two runs for his team — the difference in a 5-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“It really is a magic act,” manager David Ross said with a smile after the game. “He just creates havoc.”
It’s a play you’ll likely never see again.
With Cubs catcher Willson Contreras on second base with two outs in the top of the third inning, Baez hit a routine ground ball to third baseman Erik Gonzalez. Gonzalez’s throw to first baseman Will Craig was up the baseline a little, but Craig was able to catch the ball with Baez standing right in front of him.
“My first thought was to go headfirst, pretty much out of the baseline, but the throw got there so early,” Baez explained. “I was just trying to make Willy score even though there were two outs.”So Baez began backtracking toward home to avoid the tag. Craig followed him down the line, although he could have simply stepped on first base and ended the inning.
“I just improvise,” Baez said. “At the moment I can react pretty fast.”
