Gimpy Baez comes off bench, hits walk-off vs. Phils

Javier Baez ripped a pinch-hit, walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Chicago Cubs to a 3-2 win over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night. Before the game, Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters Baez would be held out of the lineup for the second consecutive day with an injured heel and would undergo an MRI exam.

Instead, after waiting more than three-and-a-half hours on the bench, Baez delivered in the game's most critical moment. Albert Almora Jr. also had an RBI during a two-run ninth for Chicago. The Cubs bounced back after Andrew McCutchen ripped a two-out, two-run single in the seventh inning to put the Phillies ahead 2-1. Philadelphia's four-game winning streak came to an end.

Kris Bryant went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored to lead Chicago at the plate. Cubs left-hander Kyle Ryan (1-1) earned the victory by pitching two-thirds of an inning of scoreless relief. It marked his first victory since July 22, 2016, as a member of the Detroit Tigers.

Phillies right-hander Juan Nicasio (0-2) drew the loss after giving up two runs in one-third of an inning. Nicasio was vying for his second save in as many nights. Down 2-1, Chicago loaded the bases with one out for Almora Jr. in the ninth. He drove in Bryant on an RBI groundout to even the score.

Moments later, Baez emerged from the dugout to the delight of the Wrigley fans, then laced a single down the right-field line to easily score Rizzo from third base. Cubs left-hander Jose Quintana tossed six scoreless innings to pick up his sixth quality start of the season. He limited the Phillies to two hits and three walks while striking out four.

Phillies right-hander Zach Elfin also notched his sixth quality start by allowing one run on six hits in six innings with two strikeouts and four walks. The Cubs grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first when Bryant scored from second base on a groundout by Willson Contreras. Bryant took off on the pitch and never stopped running as he rounded third base.

Phillies shortstop Jean Segura threw to first base to retire Contreras. First baseman Rhys Hoskins then turned and fired a throw to home plate, but Bryant slid ahead of the tag for the opening run. After Quintana left the game, the Phillies pounced on the Cubs bullpen in the seventh to go ahead 2-1. McCutchen hit a two-out, two-strike single up the middle to drive in Scott Kingery and Maikel Franco.

--Field Level Media