Baez’s pinch-hit single lifts Cubs over Phillies, 3-2

CHICAGO >> The heart of the Chicago Cubs’ lineup, including a taped-up Javier Baez, proved to be too much for the Philadelphia Phillies and their tired bullpen.

Baez’s pinch-hit single capped a two-run, ninthinning rally and lifted the Cubs over Philadelphia 3-2 on Tuesday night to stop the Phillies’ four-game winning streak.

Baez didn’t start for a second straight game because of a jammed right heel, but the 2018 NL MVP runner-up came through immediately off the bench with the game on the line.

“I’m impressed, but not surprised,” said Kris Bryant, who had three hits and used his speed to slide home with two runs. “He’s been doing stuff like that the last couple of years. Thankfully, he was up there in that situation to win the game like that.”

Chicago trailed 2-1 starting the ninth, but Juan Nicasio (0-2) walked Bryant leading off, Anthony Rizzo doubled and, after Willson Contreras hit a shallow flyout, Jason Heyward was intentionally walked.

Bryant scored when Albert Almora Jr. hit a chopper toward first, and Nicasio’s underhand toss to catcher J.T. Realmuto was late, a call upheld by a video review. Baez, lined Nicasio’s first pitch to right over a drawn-in infield.

Manager Joe Maddon said he was saving Baez for the moment, even if the injured star might not be able to play in the field after batting for second baseman Daniel Descalso. Cubs head athletic trainer had told Maddon at the start of the inning that Baez was getting taped up and would be available to bat.

“If you don’t do it, how do you play defense after that? But a lot of time I don’t worry about that stuff,” Maddon said.

Kyle Ryan (1-1) got two outs for the win.