Javier Báez Shoots His Shot, Steals Home

The Cubs were meticulous in their destruction of the Pirates today, leaving Pittsburgh no hope in a bloodbath with a final score of 17-3. But before the game became a blowout, Chicago shortstop Javier Báez acted boldly to tie things up at two runs apiece in the second inning.

Báez stole second before advancing to third on an error. With José Quintana showing bunt, Báez took a huge lead and barreled toward home as soon as the pitch sailed over the plate. For reasons passing understanding, Pirates catcher Chris Stewart threw to third baseman David Freese as soon as he could, but Báez didn’t hesitate and Freese didn’t even bother trying to throw the ball in for a play at the plate:

The nickname El Mago is fitting.