WATCH: The Breakdown featuring Jon Lester's game-wining bunt |
Tony Crumpton
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- 23 hours 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.
