Javier Baez's RBI single in ignited a run by Jason Heyward to complete a 4-run ninth inning by the Chicago Cubs and propel them past the San Francisco Giants, 6-5, at AT&T Park. With the win, the Cubs and finish off their National League Series, 3-1.
Willson Contreras had two-run single and Ben Zobrist added an RBI double for the Cubs in the ninth inning, which saw the Giants utilize five relief pitchers, according to Chicago Tribune.
David Ross drove the Cubs' first two runs, including a solo home run in the third that made the 39-year-old catcher the oldest Cub and the oldest catcher in baseball history to homer in the postseason. His other run came on a sacrifice fly in the fifth, AL.com reported.
The Giants led 4-2 after Conor Gillaspie's RBI single to center field against Travis Wood. A sacrifice fly by Joe Panik's extended the Giants' lead to 5-2. Cubs president Theo Epstein didn't give up hope at that point but believed that there was no more margin for error.
Giants lefty Matt Moore limited the Cubs to 20for-25 while striking out 10 in eight innings. However, after Moore gave way to five Giants relievers in the ninth, the Cubs were able to hit 4-for-6 with four in a single inning.
He also hit an RBI single in the fourth that gave the Giants a 2-1 lead. Gillaspie hit 4-for-4 for the Giants.
Cubs starter John Lackey allowed three runs, seven hits, walked two and struck out four in four innings, SFGate reported. It was the greatest postseason comeback for the Cubs. They are four wins from claiming their first NL pennant since 1945. The Cubs last won the World Series title in 1908.
The Cubs will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Washington Nationals in their NL championship series beginning Saturday at Wrigley Field. Their series is currently tied at 2-2.
