Chicago Cubs Star Saves Game With Jaw-Dropping Hustle Play

Nico Hoerner saved the Chicago Cubs from defeat with an incredible hustle play.

Apr 15, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner celebrates after scoring the tying run. / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Oftentimes, baseball games come down to little things. One pitch, swing or play can completely alter the outcome of a game.

That's what happened during the Chicago Cubs' 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night at Chase Field.

With two outs in the top of the ninth, the Cubs were trailing 2-1 and down to their last out. With Nico Hoerner on second base and Mike Tauchman on first, however, there was still hope for a comeback.

That hope was realized when Diamondbacks closer Kevin Ginkel bounced his 0-1 pitch to Ian Happ. The ball deflected off catcher Gabriel Moreno and rolled all the way to the backstop, giving Chicago's runners plenty of time to advance.

Hoerner seized the opportunity, channeling a bit of Jackie Robinson on Jackie Robinson Day. He took off for third as soon as he saw the ball squirt away from Moreno. With the ball still rolling, Hoerner raced around third and headed for home. He dove head-first into home, crossing the plate with the tying run just before the ball arrived.

NICO. HUSTLE. pic.twitter.com/vVJg4SLEQr

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 16, 2024

Thanks to Hoerner's heads-up play and aggressive baserunning, the Cubs had new life. The game went to extras, where they prevailed 3-2 in 11 innings.

Once again, Hoerner was the hero, driving in the game-winning run with his bases-loaded single in the top of the 11th and capping yet another wild ending for Chicago.

It's been a rough season so far for Hoerner, who's batting just .208 with a .600 OPS after going 2-for-4 on Monday. Still, he showed how it's always possible to affect a game by being alert, aggressive and understanding the situation.