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.”
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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.”
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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.
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