Favorite Cubs Games of 2018: The last-strike rally at the Padres

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When it comes to Cubs comeback wins in 2018, April 14 against the Braves and August 12 against the Nationals generally come to mind first. Both games were impressive, but the Cubs’ 5-4 win over the Padres on July 13 deserves recognition as well.

What made this game special is that it included three common sights featured in big Cubs moments: 1) A clutch hit from Anthony Rizzo; 2) An elaborate celebration by Pedro Strop on the mound; and 3) Javier Báez turning into El Mago on the basepaths.

Not only were the Cubs down 4-3 with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, but Rizzo was down to his last strike. On a 3-2 pitch from All-Star reliever Brad Hand (a left-hander, nonetheless), Rizzo drove a game-tying double into the left-center field gap, bringing Jason Heyward around to score.

Strop struck out the side in order in the ninth inning. After the third strikeout, he took a few quick steps towards first base, briefly froze his body to strike a pose and then walked back to the dugout.

In the top of the tenth, Báez — who singled with one out — stole second base, advanced to third base on an overthrow by Padres catcher Austin Hedges and then scored when center fielder Manuel Margot bobbled the overthrow.

The comeback featured dramatic, exciting and clutch late-game moments. For fans that like thrill rides, this game truly had it all. And most importantly for the Cubs, it ended with a victory.

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