Javy Báez mocks Amir Garrett after hitting walk-off, a breakdown

Jul 29, 2021 1.2M views 3:40

What Happened

In a dramatic bottom-of-the-ninth matchup between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds, third baseman Javy Báez steps up to the plate with the game tied and the bases loaded. Báez, who has been dealing with a sore heel, comes in to pinch-hit against left-hander Amir Garrett. The two players have a long history of on-field confrontations, dating back to 2019 when they frequently jawed at each other. Earlier this season, Garrett infuriated Báez and the Cubs by sweeping them with a big smile on his face and then gesturing with a broom. Now, with the game on the line, the tension between the two flares up once again. As Garrett delivers the first pitch, Báez immediately begins yelling and gesturing animatedly. He then takes his bat and starts sweeping the air, mocking Garrett's earlier celebration. Báez tosses his bat towards Garrett, though it lands safely on the ground. Garrett remains relatively calm, having just given up a harmless fly ball with the bases loaded. With the infield playing in, all Báez needs to do is put the ball in play to bring home the winning run for the Cubs. He does just that, launching a sacrifice fly to center field to give the Cubs a 3-2 victory and the series-opening win. Báez's theatrics and intensity as he rounds the bases are on full display, his jersey untucked and helmet off before he even reaches first base. "We won the game, we won the game!" Báez exclaims, according to teammate Wilson Contreras. The Cubs' dugout erupts in celebration, while Reds outfielder Jesse Winker looks on, perplexed by the entire situation. This dramatic, back-and-forth rivalry between Báez and Garrett has captivated baseball fans, with the two fiery competitors constantly finding ways to stoke the flames. The Cubs' walk-off victory in the series opener only adds to the long history of tensions between these two passionate players and their teams.

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