WATCH: The Breakdown featuring Jon Lester's game-wining bunt |
Tony Crumpton
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- 1 day ago
It’s the bottom of the 12th inning. The Cubs and Mariners have exhausted all their available position players, and tension is mounting. In a surprising twist, Jon Lester enters the batter's box. What happens next will be etched in Cubs baseball history.
Watch the fun video below:
Video summary/cliff-notes:
(00:03) Jon Lester had never batted in extra innings or pinch-hit before, making the situation feel chaotic.
(00:38) The Cubs were down 6-0 early but fought back, tying the game in the 9th inning.
(01:43) Chaos ensued with multiple double switches, including Travis Wood playing left field before returning to pitch.
(02:49) Lester was chosen to hit instead of Jake Arrieta, despite Arrieta being a better hitter statistically.
(04:16) Lester, known as the team’s best bunter, had worked extensively on bunting after struggling earlier in his career.
(05:02) He laid down a key bunt, allowing Javier Báez to score the winning run in the 12th inning.
(07:57) With two strikes, Lester successfully executed a safety squeeze, securing a Cubs victory.
(08:46) The celebration involved baby powder being thrown at Lester, which got in his mouth unexpectedly.
(09:12) Everything aligned perfectly, from the pitch selection to Heyward’s slide, making for a memorable win.
