Javy Baez, Chicago Cubs. (Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports)
Chicago Cubs shortstop Javy Baez lifted his team to victory over the St. Louis Cardinals with one majestic swing in extra innings.
It was a low-scoring affair between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday night, but one swing of the bat from Javy Baez would eventually propel the Cubs to an impressive victory.
Scoreless heading into extra innings, Baez quickly changed that on his two-run home run in the top of the 10th inning to plate catcher Willson Contreras. While the Cardinals would cut into the two-run deficit in the bottom of the frame, it was not enough to keep the Cubs from winning. Chicago took the series finale over the hated Cardinals at Busch Stadium 2-1 on Sunday night.
Here was the Cubs’ official Twitter account having way too much fun at the Cardinals’ expense.
Javy Baez’s home run gave the Cubs a series win vs. the rival Cardinals
With that big fly, Chicago moved within two games of first place in the NL Central. Chicago improved to 24-22 on the year after taking two of three vs. their arch rival on the road. Should the Cubs take care of business of the reeling Pittsburgh Pirates early in the week, they could be in first place by the time the weekend gets here. The Cubs have won seven of their last 10 ballgames, too.
Overall, the Cubs’ improved play in May has changed their fortunes of late. Everybody and their brother thought Chicago would be sellers at the trade deadline, but now, the Cubs are vying for a division title in what looks to be a tight race in the NL Central. Even though the Pirates are falling out of it, the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers are 5.5 and three games back, respectively.
Being able to take two of three in St. Louis was massive for Chicago, thanks to Baez’s heroics.