CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- Javier Baez walked it off for the Cubs on Tuesday evening, but it wouldn't have happened without the baserunning of Kris Bryant.
The Cubs rallied for a 3-2 win against the Phillies at Wrigley Field not just because of the pinch-hit, game-winning single from Baez but also some important baserunning from Bryant. In the first inning, he stole a run by scoring from second base on a teammate's groundout to shortstop. Then in the bottom of the ninth, Bryant got a quality jump from third base to beat out a force play at home on a slow roller to the mound, tying the game at 2-2.
After the Cubs celebrated the heroics of Baez, they also credited the baserunning of Bryant. In the mind of manager Joe Maddon, that trait of Bryant is the reflection of his all-around strong play as of late.
"It's really been a joy to watch because he's really hit that moment where he's unconsciously confident," Maddon said. "He's not thinking about anything, he's just playing the game. It's really fun to watch, because he's so physically gifted.
"He did it with his legs. Not a surprise. But I think his entire game has been elevated because he's mentally free."
Bryant reached base four times in the win Tuesday, with three hits and a walk. His slash line on the season is now at .275/.402/.556.
Bryant was disappointed in himself that he was unable to score from first base on the ninth-inning double to right field from Anthony Rizzo that helped spur the Cubs' rally. He was held by third-base coach Brian Butterfield with nobody out, then stayed there as Willson Contreras' fly ball to shallow right field wasn't deep enough for Bryant to run on Bryce Harper's arm.
With Albert Almora Jr. later batting in a bases-loaded situation, Bryant was to be running on contact. He got a good enough jump and possessed the speed to beat Phillies reliever Juan Nicasio's flip to catcher J.T. Realmuto. Baez followed with the winning hit.
"I feel like baserunning is the most controllable part of this game," Bryant said. "I just give it 100 percent effort every time and try not to do anything stupid out there. It ended up working out twice for me.
"It's one of the areas where I take the most pride in, just because it's something that I can really control. That's why I really feel like I'm good at it."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
