Javier Baez brilliantly helped the Cubs steal a run by tricking the Pirates into a rundown at first

STEP ON FIRST!

I don’t think it’s even hyperbole to call the baserunning move that the Cubs’ Javy Baez pulled off on Thursday as one of the most remarkable heads-up plays you’ll see in Major League Baseball.

During the third inning of Chicago’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baez was at bat with a runner on second and two outs. He hit a routine ground ball to third base, but Erik Gonzalez’s throw to first was just wide enough to pull Will Craig off the bag.

Now, Baez really does have to thank Craig’s lack of awareness for what happened next (all he had to do was turn around and step on first to end the inning!), but Baez had the presence of mind to turn the other way and head back towards home as a distraction. What a sequence.

As Baez stopped in his tracks to avoid the tag and headed back to home, Craig decided to follow the Cubs infielder rather than step on first and end the inning. It was a force play. He didn’t need to tag Baez.

As that was going on, Willson Contreras continued running with two outs and crossed home plate while nobody on the Pirates decided to tag Baez or cover first.

So, Baez was able to run to first safely and then advance to second on a bad throw. Contreras’ run wouldn’t have even counted had the Pirates merely stepped on first base or had someone cover the bag instead of ball-watching.

Again, you really do have to credit Baez for his brilliant baserunning here. But the Pirates’ utter lack of baseball awareness here made that all possible. I still can’t believe that Craig didn’t just turn around and step on first. That’s literally all he needed to do.

The Pirates broadcast couldn’t believe it.

That play probably explains why the Pirates have among the worst records in baseball. Just unreal.

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