Just when you want to count the Chicago Cubs out of the game, they show you glimpses of that World Series team. The Cubs trailed by one Run going into the ninth inning, but exploded for six runs in the top of the ninth to win a 9-5 interdivision game over the Pittsburgh pirates.
Ten batter ninth inning
The Cubs trailed 4-3 going into the final frame. The Cubs opened the inning with five straight hits. Wilson Contreras tied the game with a double that scored Jason Heyward. After a single by Tommy La Stella, John Jay scored Contreras with a RBI single.
Anthony Rizzo gave the team insurance with a two run single, while Addison Russell broke the game open with a two run double.
The inning will give a satisfying taste for Cubs who thought their team lost another game after leading most of the game. The Cubs dropped Wednesday's contest against the New York Mets after leading 4-1. The Cubs led 3-1 until the Pirates scored three runs in the sixth inning; however, the Cubs ended Friday night with the final laugh.
Eddie Butler pulls best Chris Sale impression
Remember last year when Sale made headlines for using scissors to cut off the sleeves of a throwback jersey? Sale, who was a member of the White Sox last season, was suspended five games for using scissors to destroy the jersey because he did not like it.
The Cubs and Pirates wore throwback jerseys as part of the Pirates annual "Negro Leagues Heritage Game." The Pirates were the Homestead Greys, while the Cubs were the Leland Giants. The uniform the Cubs wore had a white, long sleeve undershirt. In the MLB, it is illegal to wear white on your sleeves as it might may it hard for the hitter to see.
A member of the Cubs medical team came to the rescue to cut off the sleeves of Butler's uniform.
Maddon ejected in first inning
Cubs manager, Joe Maddon, had a very, very short night as he was ejected in the first inning. Rizzo began the game with what looked like his third leadoff home run this season, but after a replay review, the umpires overturned the home run.
Maddon was ejected for arguing. It was the first time that Maddon has been ejected this season. It was also his 36th career ejection in his managerial career.
Pirates make it interesting in bottom half of ninth
The Pirates sent seven batters in the frame, and had a chance to tie the game off of Cubs closer, Wade Davis. The Pirates scored one quick run, and eventually loaded the bases with one out. Davis got the last laugh by striking out Josh Harrison, and Gregory Polanco to end the game.