Cubs Celebrate Division Title in Style with Come Back, Walk-Off Win
Now that’s more like it. Everything we hoped for last night and more. The Chicago Cubs (94-53) gave their fans a special treat today – less than 24 hours after they clinched the National League Central Division – with a walk-off home run by Miguel Montero in the bottom of the tenth inning to win the game by the score of 5-4 (Box Score).
Down by two runs early, both solo home runs, the Cubs’ Albert Almora – a recent call-up from Triple-A Iowa – crushed the ball to deep left center field, scoring Chris Coghlan and tying the game in the process.
After Scooter Gennett hit a two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning it looked dire for the Cubs. Although, on a day where the wind was blowing wildly out, everyone in attendance knew that anything was possible.
Willson Contreras started off the bottom of the ninth inning with a double to right field. Chris Coghlan followed with a single to score Contreras and the Wrigley Faithful went nuts. The Cubs still needed at least one run to tie it.
Tommy La Stella reached on an error, Munenori Kawasaki was hit by a pitch and the Cubs were in business with the bases loaded and only one out. Addison Russell hit a soft drive that bounced once and was fielded by second baseman Scooter Gennett, who threw the ball to a charging Carlos Torres. Russell leapt high in the air and dove to the bag, narrowly beating the throw and while Coghlan scored the game-tying run. To extra innings.
In the bottom of the tenth inning, Miguel Montero stepped up to the plate. What he did next can only be described as stupendous, superb, absolutely brilliant. He smashed a towering walk-off home run into the left field bleachers. The crowd erupted. People cheered, hugged, and there was elation throughout that stadium.
Stats that matter
- John Lackey never seemed to get comfortable but he did enough to keep the Cubs in the game – 7.0IP, 4R, 9H, 2BB, 8Ks, 2HR, 105 pitches
- Felix Pena pitched a critical two innings – 2.0IP, 0R, 1H, 2Ks
- Chris Coghlan had a wonderful game, which he’ll need to keep doing to get on the postseason roster – 3-for-4, 2R, 1RBI
- Albert Almora was a key to the Cubs win – 2-for-4, 1R, 2RBI, HR
- Miguel Montero was HUGE – 1-for-3, 1R, 1RBI, 1BB, 1 monster home run
Bottom line
That was just the way we wanted it. A beautiful come back, walk-off win to celebrate winning the division in style. Congratulations to the 2016 National League Central Division Champions, your Chicago Cubs!
Next up
The Cubs will play the Brewers in game three of this four game series on Saturday at 3:05 PM CT. Jake Arrieta (17-6, 2.91 ERA) will be pitching for the Cubs as they go for win number 95.
