Javy Baez found an unusual way to extend an inning. What should have been the final out of the third inning in Thursday afternoons’ game against the Pirates turned into a run for the Cubs.
With Willson Contreras at second base, Baez grounded to Pirates third baseman Erik Gonzalez. But Pirates first baseman Will Craig, instead of just forcing Baez out at first, began a rundown and chased Baez back to home plate.
During the rundown, Contreras rounded the bases and scored when catcher Michael Perez was late with the tag.
The play became even sillier from the Pirates point of view when Perez’s throw to first went into the outfield, allowing Baez to reach second.