Top 10 Games of 2020: Bote’s clutch blast
The 2020 Cubs season may have been shorter than normal, but it was packed with huge moments and thrilling games.
Marquee Sports Network will air the Top 10 Games of 2020 presented by DraftKings with new commentary and more in-depth analysis each weeknight in November. The fun continues with No. 4 — Cubs vs. Cardinals from August 17.
No. 4 — Cubs vs. Cardinals (Aug. 17)
Imagine trying to wrap your head around this scenario a year ago: The Cubs and Cardinals played a scheduled 7-inning game at Wrigley Field wherein the Cubs pulled off a road win.
2020 had a lot of wild, unique moments and Aug. 17 was one of those for the Cubs, who beat the Cardinals 5-4 in the second game of a doubleheader at “The Friendly Confines.”
Because the Cubs-Cardinals series in St. Louis was postponed earlier in the month, the league opted to schedule the two teams to make those three games up as part of a doubleheader on three separate days at Wrigley Field.
This was the first of those instances as the two teams played a 5-game series in 3 days.
After starting the season 13-3, the Cubs were staring down the potential of a 5-game losing streak after dropping the final 3 games of the series against the Brewers over the weekend and losing Game 1 of the doubleheader.
The Cardinals jumped out to a 4-1 lead in Game 2 behind a pair of Brad Miller home runs.
But in the top of the 6th inning, the Cubs offense came alive. Willson Contreras drove in a run with a double and then David Bote did what he does best.
Bote pinch-hit for Victor Caratini and drilled a 2-out, go-ahead, 3-run shot into the center field bleachers.
Dan Winkler and Jeremy Jeffress made the lead hold up and gave the Cubs a huge come-from-behind victory against their division rivals.
The Cubs notched only 3 hits in the game — and none until Contreras’ 6th inning double — but they made them count and also drew 10 free passes (9 walks, 1 hit-by-pitch).
“Bote staying locked in on the bench, coming in, putting that swing on the ball is beautiful — he’s done that a time or two,” Anthony Rizzo said after the game. “It’s a spark, it’s energetic after a long day. Just grind it out and getting the big knock there was exciting for us.
“It’s nice to get that win on the back end of the doubleheader and go to bed with that good feeling of winning.”
Highlights
4th inning | Willson Contreras knocks in a run