Bleacher Bums Forum

Did not see a sweep going up against Kershaw , Bauer and Beuhler.

Yup, just what I was going to say.

Stoping the 2nd run in the 10th was huge.  Thought Bryant got to the ball very quickly and got a throw very quickly; and Baez with a terrific throw.  That saved the game. 

That was a really interesting play on the one out runners on 1st-and-3rd double-play grounder to Rizzo that didn't work out.  I think Rizzo knew that if he steps on 1st and throws to 2nd, baez then has to tag the runner, and if the runner on 3rd scores first, the run counts.  Think Rizzo made the right play and a really smart play there.  But I can't fault Baez for not realizing, and for thinking Rizzo had maybe tagged the bag already.  Not much time for Baez to process what had happened.  I wonder if that's a play they'll talk over afterwards.  I wonder if Bote maybe should have been over their yelling and telling him which it was. 

That may not be so rare a play in future.  With the runner-on-2nd bit, if they get to third it's the norm not the exception to walk a guy and set up the 1st-and-3rd DP situation.  A play like that might occur again. 

I wonder if Rizzo would have had a play at home?  Step on the bag and rifle it home, then no ambiguity?  Anyway, just a really fascinating play with a couple of really split-second decisions required by both players. 

Alzolay continues to look very good. 

Yeah, smart play by Rizzo on the grounder to 1B.

But, tough look for Javy to see whether Rizzo touched bag. In post-game interview, Rizzo said he should have yelled “one” to clue Javy for a return toss to 1B. But, a play like that happens so fast in real time.

Lots of heroes this game. Alzolay outstanding. Marisnick to get Cubs back in game against Buehler. Duffy with clutch 2-out hit AND big stolen base. Pederson with Sac Fly/phantom homer for the tie. Even Mills for allowing only the designated runners to score in two innings. Tepera with nice work getting 6 outs and limiting Ryan’s damage.

Rizzo of course with the winner. With 2 strikes against a lefty and single wins game, pretty sure he’s trying to hit ball to the left side there. Hit em where they ain’t baseball.

And great relay throw by Javy to the plate on Muncy’s double in the 10th.

9:05 worth of highlights

Agree with Craig and Reb on the DP that wasn’t...well played by Rizzo, and happens so fast that if Baez doesn’t or can’t see Rizzo’s feet, it’s just an unfortunate incident...don’t think anyone yelling would have mattered, as quickly as the play went down.

The ball was hit hard enough that you had to be sure you're getting 2 on the play, however it happens. Barring an errant throw, a 3-6-3 there is almost guaranteed.

If Rizzo is one step closer to home plate when he fields the ball, and not within a step or two of first base, then Baez has no question as to whether or not Rizzo touched first, and the DP is easy. It was just a perfect storm of circumstances. No fault anywhere.

To address your scenario, I don't know if the runner on 3rd broke for home on contact, or if he hesitated since the ball was hit hard and right at Rizzo. It very well may have been easier, but not necessarily smarter...if that makes sense.