Speaking literally, Game 7 of the 2016 World Series was the game that won it all for the Chicago Cubs.
But what was the moment that really won them the World Series? That's what 670 The Score host Matt Spiegel wanted to know from Joe Maddon on the latest episode of Audacy and MLB podcast "The Run - 2016 Chicago Cubs." Spiegel's suggestions included Addison Russell's home runs on the road in Los Angeles and Kris Bryant's Game 5 home run to tie it up against Cleveland in the World Series... but neither moment was what Maddon ultimately chose.
"Well I'll tell you, the biggest moment — and you're right, and even (Ben) Zobrist's bunt is another one that got the whole thing rolling — [was] Game 4 against the Giants," Maddon said. "I can't believe people don't recognize it more strongly. That was the game.
"That's the game that won the World Series for the Cubs... If you want to dissect the game that catapulted the 2016 team to the World Series championship, it was that game."
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Maddon recalled the double pinch-hit, in which Addison Russell was replaced by Chris Coghlan, who was subsequently replaced by Willson Contreras, who then ripped a two-RBI single up the middle to tie the game. Javier Baez then stepped up to the plate and delivered to complete the four-run inning, giving the Cubs a lead in the ninth after having trailed since the fouth.
Tune into the rest of the podcast — embedded above or available on Audacy here — to hear Maddon reflect on impact players throughout the postseason run, his fond memories of being in Chicago and much more.
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