CHICAGO -- It was as if the iconic ivy vines covering the bricks at this perfect little patch of green had come to life, unwilling to stomach the sight of Cubs rightfielder Jorge Soler, lying face down to the gleaming grass, helpless. Yes, Wrigley Field had picked a fine time to go from observer to participant.
In the sixth inning last night, with the Mets thinking they had tacked on a crucial insurance run, the ivy swallowed Wilmer Flores' sure RBI triple to the wall past the diving Soler. Per ground rules that could only exist here, Flores was awarded only a double and Michael Conforto was sent back to third base, even though he could have scored from first on all fours with a billy goat strapped to his back.