Not many things went right for the Cubs in their 10-2 loss to the Mets on Saturday afternoon, but Victor Caratini's performance in the top of the ninth inning gave fans something to remember.
Called into action to finish up the blowout, Caratini, Chicago's backup catcher/utility man who started the game at first base, retired New York in order. But it was the final out that had the fans at Wrigley on their feet. After getting Todd Frazier on a lineout to left and Micahel Conforto on a grounder to first, Caratini got Wilson Ramos to hit a weak grounder toward third base. The ball was hit soft enough that it would have been a tough play for third baseman Kris Bryant, but Caratini had other ideas.
Caratini, who was making his fourth career pitching appearance -- and second of the season -- sprung from the mound and backhanded the dying bouncer. He then leaped in the air and, doing his best Derek Jeter impersonation, fired to first mid-flight, getting Ramos by a few steps for the final out of the inning.
"You just have to enjoy it. It was just one of those days," said pitcher Kyle Hendricks, who enjoyed the highlight from the dugout. "It was athletic as hell, man. It was very athletic. We were impressed. Walk it right into the dugout. It just made us laugh. It was great."