Yadier Molina Went Deep To Help Snap Dominican's 11-Game WBC Winning Streak, But Javy Baez's Tag Stole The Show
Cubs fans already knew what the deal was when it came to Javy Baez, but then the world got their first taste of Baez’s electricity when Chicago went on their magical championship run last October, a postseason in which the, then, 23-year-old was named the NLCS MVP. I don’t know how you can top a World Series title run with the Chicago Cubs in which you were a huge reason why they won it all, but I’m starting to think that the World Baseball Classic has really been Baez’s coming out party. From this no-look catch, to the no-look tag, to celebrating before Nelson Cruz even got in the frame, to his anti-bat-flip home run against Mexico, Baez is Making Baseball Fun Again.
The Baez tag was obviously the highlight of the night, but this game was saved in the top of the first when a bases loaded, nobody out situation for the Dominican Republic was snuffed out by Eddie Rosario and a fucking hose to Yadier Molina at the plate.
Yadi drove in the game’s first run for Puerto Rico on a blooper off of his Cardinals batterymate Carlos Martinez, but his second RBI of the night had a little more distance on it.
After the game, Yadi was asked about his big night at the plate, and his defensive work behind it, and he immediately dodged the opportunity to talk about himself. Instead, he went on about how great his pitching staff was all night, shutting down a laugh out loud ridiculously good lineup from the Dominicans. That’s why everybody loves that guy. If you don’t, then you’re just salty because he’s not on your team.
The win for Puerto Rico snaps an 11-game winning streak for the Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic play, representing their first loss in eight years. I have a feeling that they’ll rebound just fine, though. Too much talent, and too much pride.