Javier Baez made yet another case for National League MVP Thursday while leading the Cubs to a 4-3 10-inning victory over the Nationals.
Baez collected three hits on the night, and played a part in all four of Chicago's runs. He doubled in Kris Bryant in the fourth inning, later scoring himself. Then, in the sixth, he bashed his 31st home run of the season. But Baez's most dramatic contribution occurred in the 10th inning.
Deadlocked at three runs apiece after nine innings, Baez came up to bat in the top of the 10th and laid down a perfect bunt, which again scored Bryant.
Baez reached base four times in this game, drove in three and scored two. Including his defensive prowess and the fact he's led the Cubs' lineup which has dealt with multiple injuries this season, he's a prime candidate to win MVP.
The win moved Chicago 1 1/2 games ahead of the Brewers in NL Central, but they lost closer Pedro Strop to a hamstring injury for at least two weeks, according to Joe Maddon. The Cardinals are 4 1/2 games back.
Studs of the Night
Rockies sluggers Trevor Story and Nolan Arenado both clobbered home runs in a 10-3 win over the Diamondbacks. Both players finished the game with two hits, as Arenado hit his 34th home run and Story bashed his 33rd. Arizona is now 4 1/2 games behind the Rockies in the NL West. The Dodgers also won Thursday remaining 1 1/2 games back of Colorado.
Dud of the Night
Athletics starting pitcher Brett Anderson allowed four earned runs off seven hits in a 5-3 loss to the lowly Orioles. Oakland is trying to catch the Astros for the top spot in the AL West, and the Yankees for home-field advantage in the wild-card game, so losses like this can't happen. The A's are now 3 1/2 games back of the Astros for the lead in the West and 1 1/2 games back of the Yankees in the wild card.
Highlight
There's something about Cardinals pitchers leaving the yard:
.@TysonRoss becomes the 4th different @Cardinals pitcher to homer this season. #PitchersWhoRake pic.twitter.com/zBIyDAcSTu
— MLB (@MLB) September 14, 2018
St. Louis fell to the Dodgers 9-7.
What's Next
Diamondbacks (77-70) at Astros (92-54) 8:10 p.m. ET — Arizona is desperately trying to remain in the postseason picture, and it will send Robbie Ray (5-2, 4.18 ERA) to the mound to try and steal a tough road win. The Astros will counter with Dallas Kuechel (11-10, 3.59 ERA), as they try to hold off the Athletics in the American League West.