Cubs rookie David Bote hits grand slam vs. Nationals
Chicago Cubs rookie David Bote proved to be his team’s saving grace on Sunday night after he smacked a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the 2016 World Series champions to a 4-3 home win over the Washington Nationals.
The 25-year-old infielder’s big hit came off closer Ryan Madson with two outs and two strikes as the Cubs trailed 3-0. Bote’s ball flew deep into center field, past the wall. According to ESPN, the homer was only the second walk-off grand slam in MLB history with the losing team trailing 3-0 in the ninth.
“I like his self-confidence,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Bote. “He does it in a way that’s not offensive. It’s not this braggart kind of a thing. It’s a humbled confidence. It’s really worn well by him.”
SLIDESHOW: 30 Best Sports Instagrams!
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Bote reportedly made a big impression in this year’s spring training, and after Kris Bryant was placed on the disabled list with a shoulder injury last month, the young infielder got his chance to shine.
“It’s magical,” Bote said Sunday after his grand slam. “It’s incredible. It’s an unbelievable feeling. It couldn’t happen to a better team, a better group of people in that clubhouse. And I’m so blessed and honored to be part of it.”
30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW
Bote is hitting .329 this season. The youngster’s teammates started cheering and chanting his name after the big hit, and even doused him with water from a cooler after jumping on him to rip his jersey off. To top it off, renown Cubs fans Bill Murray was present for the celebration at Wrigley Field and he gave Bote a hug.
The Cubs (68-49) are first in the NL Central, three games ahead of second-place Milwaukee (67-54). Chicago will host the Brewers on Tuesday for the opener of a two-game series.
To add insult to injury, Sean McVay announced on Monday that the Los Angeles Rams…
The Panthers named Andy Dalton as their new starting quarterback earlier this week, relieving 2023…
Once known as the worst clutch quarterback in the NFL, Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins…
On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve with a concussion.…
The Chicago Bears learned the hard way last week that not all wins are pretty.…
Quarterback Daniel Jones has had to field multiple questions about negative Giants fans last week.…