Cutch, Kang team up with gem to save run
Outfielder slides to cut off two-out double and fires to shortstop, who throws strike home to nail Russell
PITTSBURGH -- Andrew McCutchen's slide and Jung Ho Kang's arm teamed up for a sparkling play in the second inning of the Pirates' 5-0 loss to the Cubs on Tuesday night.
With Chicago leading, 1-0, and Addison Russell on first base, Chris Denorfia ripped a two-out drive to left-center off left-hander J.A. Happ.
McCutchen sped into the gap and lowered into a slide to glove the ball and keep it from going through to the wall, sprang to his feet and fired a strike to Kang, the shortstop set up as the cutoff man in medium left-center.
Kang unleashed his own strike to catcher Francisco Cervelli, who was waiting for the ball as Russell arrived and slid into the tag, never even reaching the plate.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon came out to discuss the play with umpires, presumably about Cervelli's positioning in front of home plate, but the Cubs didn't challenge. Maddon doffed his cap to jeering Pirates fans as he exited the field.