Ian Happ plays the wind for the walk off, a breakdown
What Happened
In a tightly contested matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates, the game heads into extra innings tied at 5-5. It's the bottom of the 11th inning and the Cubs have a runner on second base. Third baseman Patrick "KO Tuck" Wisdom steps up to the plate and successfully lays down a bunt, moving the runner over to third. The Pirates then make the strategic decision to intentionally walk the next batter, setting up a potential double play. With the game on the line, outfielder Ian Happ of the Cubs approaches the plate. As Happ looks out towards the field, he notices the flag blowing in the wind and quickly formulates a plan. "I know what I need to do here," Happ says to himself. "I need to hit myself a little wind ball." Happ steps into the box, ready to take advantage of the blustery conditions. On the first pitch, he lets it go, recognizing it's not the right "wind ball" pitch he's seeking. But on the next offering, Happ connects, sending a high fly ball into the air. The wind takes hold of the ball, causing it to dance and dance, making it nearly impossible for the Pirates' outfielder to track down. "Bam, wind ball," Happ exclaims, almost throwing his bat in excitement before holding back. As the ball continues to float, the Cubs' dugout erupts in celebration, knowing their teammate has outsmarted the elements. The ball eventually lands safely in the outfield, allowing the Cubs' runner to sprint home and score the game-winning run. Happ is immediately surrounded by his jubilant teammates, who douse him with water in celebration of the walk-off victory. "This is what winning feels like," Happ exclaims, reveling in the moment. "This is what using your advantage feels like." The Cubs' faithful cheer and wave their "W" flags, as the team secures a hard-fought win in this divisional matchup.
Full Transcript
Click timestamps to jump to that momentit's the bottom of the 11th inning and
the cubs and pirates are all tied up at
five a piece two teams fighting for
nothing man thread rules so there's a
runner on second and they want him to
stay right there what up ko tuck
looking good looking great looking
fabulous by dude ko tuck the bunt it's
down the catcher grabs it out at first
batter does the job moves out of babe
moves the runner over great job then
they're going to intentionally walk the
next guy to put the double play in order
and up steps in hap host of the compound
john boy media stud and he looks in the
distance and sees the flag just blowing
in the breeze he says oh i know what i
need to do here i need to hit myself a
little wind ball just need to put this
in the air let's get tricky on him first
pitch
we'll take that
not a windball pitch next pitch bam wind
ball so excited about it he almost
throws his bat but holds it back says
let's just play this out win ball got
him
uh not going to catch that that's too
high
that's dancing too much and that's a
cubs victory and that's just smart
baseball
going to celebrate gonna get gonna get
some water thrown all over him gonna
dance around
look at all his new teammates and say
what's up guys
this is what winning feels like this is
what using your advantage feels like and
they're flying the w in the breeze