The Cubs offense has been the talking point over the last week-plus.

Saturday afternoon, it was their defense that came up clutch.

Clinging to a 1-run lead in the 6th inning, José Tena laced a leadoff hit to left-center that looked to be trouble for Javier Assad and the Cubs. Pete Crow-Armstrong raced to the gap to cut it off, then rifled a strike to Nico Hoerner at second base to tag Tena out.

It proved to be a crucial out. CJ Abrams followed with a single up the middle that likely would have scored Tena from second. Then with Joey Gallo batting, Abrams attempted to steal second but was nabbed by Christian Bethancourt, who fired a perfect throw to Dansby Swanson.

Assad would strikeout Gallo looking to escape the threat and record a second straight quality start.

Catch the complete highlight of both plays on the Marquee Sports Network App.