If the Chicago Cubs end up making the playoffs by one game, remember Friday night’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
After turning an awesome double play, the Cubs were clinging to a 3-2 lead with two outs in the ninth inning. Pinch hitter Alec Burleson was at the plate and Willson Contreras represented the tying run at third base. Burleson launched a ball to center field that looked like it would not only tie the game, but win it. Chicago’s Mike Tauchman, though, had other ideas.
Tauchman tracked the ball to the wall. Then, with a perfectly-timed leap, he reached over the fence and brought the ball back, securing the victory for the Cubs.
"AND HE CAUGHT IT. WHAT A GRAB. HOLY COW. HE SAVED THE GAME. MIKE TAUCHMAN WITH A GAME-SAVING GRAB OVER THE WALL. AND THE CUBS WIN."pic.twitter.com/bhGdKCXri7
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 29, 2023
"FLY BALL. CENTERFIELD. PRETTY WELL HIT. AT THE TRACK. AT THE WALL. IT IIIIIIIS……CAUGHT"
Chip Caray a little less excited.pic.twitter.com/V3TRba7Ea7 https://t.co/mTqi8EJhK1
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 29, 2023
Tauchman has a bit of a flare for the dramatic. As a member of the San Francisco Giants in 2021, he robbed Albert Pujols of a would-be walk-off home run, then robbed Juan Soto of another home run later in the season to preserve a one-run lead.
This catch not only preserved the lead and saved the game — but it also ended the game. Naturally, it got people buzzing.
a year ago Mike Tauchman was playing for the worst team in the KBO
all due respect to the Hanwha Eagles but this looks a bit more fun pic.twitter.com/O66rmmdf8U
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) July 29, 2023
I am speechless. I cannot believe that was the ending play. Mike Tauchman robbing a would-be walk-off homer. Instead, it's a walk-off robbery. Cubs win again. Wow wow wow wow wow.
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) July 29, 2023
CLASSIC 2-out, 9th-inning Mike Tauchman https://t.co/f3P90Y3g9L
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 29, 2023
MIKE TAUCHMAN PICKS ONE OFF THE GRASS ON THE HILL IN CENTER AND WINS THE GAME FOR THE CUBS!!!!!!!
THIS MAY BE THE CATCH OF THE YEAR!pic.twitter.com/vPKQzcVSm2
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) July 29, 2023
Friday’s win moved Chicago to 52-51. Plays like this are huge for any team in any setting. But for a team like the Cubs, who are hovering on the brink of playoff contention, a game-saving catch just days before the trade deadline is even more significant.
