Renfroe hits home run, but Cubs defeat Padres
CHICAGO — Javier Báez tagged the San Diego Padres in all sorts of ways.
The Chicago Cubs star hit a go-ahead, three-run homer, then made a nifty play with his glove in the ninth inning Saturday to help preserve a 6-5 victory.
The game started out as a slugfest in sweltering conditions at Wrigley Field and former Mississippi State player Hunter Renfroe hit a home run for San Diego before the wind suddenly shifted in the seventh, the temperature dropped and the pitchers took command.
Cubs relievers Brandon Kintzler, Steve Cishek and Pedro Strop each pitched a scoreless inning. Closer Craig Kimbrel worked around two walks in the ninth for his sixth save — with a big assist from Báez.
With one out, Wil Myers attempted to steal second and catcher Victor Caratini's throw sailed high toward the firstbase side of the bag. Báez, though, made an acrobatic catch and in the same motion dropped a no-look tag on Myers' left foot for the out.
"That was pretty crucial right there," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "That sets up the inning entirely differently.
"Again, those are the things that you've grown to expect out of Javy in a moment like that. He almost always rises to the occasion."
The Padres challenged and the call was upheld after review.
"Tip your cap," San Diego manager Andy Green said. "That guy's one of, if not the best, taggers in the baseball."
Anthony Rizzo had two hits and drove in two runs and Robel Garcia added an RBI triple as NL Central-leading Chicago improved to 7-1 since the All-star break.
Manny Machado hit a two-run shot for his 200th career homer and Fernando Tatis Jr. connected along with Renfroe.
Jose Quintana (8-7) won his fourth straight start despite allowing five runs on eight hits and three homers in five innings.
San Diego starter Joey Lucchesi (7-5) allowed six runs on 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings as his career-high streak of 12 straight outings of at least five innings came to an end.
"There was a lot of sweat because of the heat," Lucchesi said. "I don't want to make any excuses. I just wasn't my best today."