WATCH: Bote hurries through postgame interview to be with his pregnant wife |
Adding to the storybook ending of the Chicago Cubs' 2-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Easter Sunday, Cubs third baseman David Bote, who hit a walk-off single to provide the Cubs with a thrilling victory, had to hurry through his postgame interview to catch a flight home to Colorado so that he could be with his pregnant wife.
Bote's wife, Rachel, is set for induced labor on Sunday night, and Bote took it upon himself to end the Cubs' game shy of extra innings so that he could be by her side for the birth of their third child as soon as possible. Prior to exiting the field, though, Bote was kind enough to talk about the thrilling finish with reporter Kelly Crull of NBC Sports Chicago. As I’m walking over to ask Bote for this interview he says “we have to make it quick, I’ve got a flight to catch! They’re inducing my wife tonight!” How awesome is that??Safe travels & prayers to the Bote’s as number 3 is on the way! #Cubs #walkoff #FlyTheW #HappyEaster https://t.co/wNY85JBfKj
When asked about the game-winning hit off D-backs reliever Archie Bradley, Bote said, "(Bradley) showed me the curveball on 2-0. He showed where it needed to be for a strike. Then, he doubled up again, and I was able to stay on it." Driving a curveball between first and second on a 2-1 count, Bote plated shortstop Javier Baez for the walk-off. Bote went 2-for-4 on the afternoon and clinched a series victory for the Cubs in the rubber match with Arizona. Speaking on his club's recent performances, Bote addressed the uptick in play that has resulted in more winning. "We're trending in the right direction," Bote said. "We're playing good baseball, and I hope we keep doing that." #OnTheDiamond: Today's hero, @DavidBote13, catches up with @Kelly_Crull...before catching a REALLY IMPORTANT FLIGHT. (@JandSJewelers) pic.twitter.com/b7eTiZbatV