Catcher John Baker pitches scoreless top of the 16th inning, scores winning run in bottom half
Catcher John Baker pitches, scores winning run
The Cubs and Rockies battled through the 16th inning on Tuesday night -- a six-hour, 27-minute affair that featured giant mohawks, giant fans and giant, game-saving catches.
But in the top of the 16th inning, the Cubs decided it was time to go home. So they called on backup catcher John Baker ... to pitch. The 33-year-old hadn't toed the rubber since his days in the Cape Cod League, but delivered a scoreless frame, helped by this double play.
And he felt the love from the Wrigley faithful.
"The last time that many people cheered, it was because I got booed at Dodger Stadium after we got in a fight with the Dodgers," Baker said.
Then, in the bottom half of the inning, Baker drew a leadoff walk and came around to score the winning run on Starlin Castro's sacrifice fly.
That's the definition of a pitcher (catcher? pitching catcher?) truly earning himself the win.
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