The red-hot Milwaukee Brewers entered Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs just one game behind the Cubs in the NL Central standings. The game on Tuesday and one more game coming on Wednesday represented the only two Cubs-Brewers games remaining on the schedule. So needless to say- a very important two games at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs took a 3-0 lead into the top of the ninth, and Addison Russell entered the game to play shortstop. Russell has had a very rough season offensively (.671 OPS), but has remained a terrific defensive shortstop (his 13 defensive runs saved rank 11th among MLB defenders).
Joe Maddon’s decision immediately proved to be a good one. Russell made a terrific backhanded play to open the inning on a Jesus Aguilar groundball, and then made a *ridiculous* play the next batter.
Ryan Braun hit a one-hop rocket, and Russell made a sliding backhanded play in the outfield, before getting up and delivering a good throw to Anthony Rizzo. Amazing play:
Call confirmed. #Nasty pic.twitter.com/Hhy3Y4xM3P
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 12, 2018
And perhaps nobody was more amazed by the play than third baseman — and frequent Cubs hero this season — David Bote. Look at this face:
https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1039715118001651712
— Austin Ploch (@PlochArtwork) September 12, 2018
Russell’s defense helped Pedro Strop get the save in a very important 3-0 victory for the Cubs.
