The Chicago Cubs made history on Saturday by drawing six bases-loaded walks in the fifth inning against the Pirates, marking the most by a major league team in a single inning in 65 years. This remarkable feat had not been seen since the Chicago White Sox managed eight bases-loaded walks in the seventh inning on April 22, 1959. The Cubs’ performance now stands as one of the rare instances of a team achieving at least six bases-loaded walks in a game in the expansion era.
Rookie Trial By Fire
The fifth inning began with Pirates rookie Paul Skenes making his big league debut, only to be replaced after giving up two hits. The Pirates then had to utilize three more pitchers to try to contain the Cubs’ onslaught. Despite Kyle Nicolas striking out two batters and hitting Ian Happ with a pitch, the inning spiraled downward as Nicolas struggled to find the strike zone.
Nico Hoerner, Michael Busch, and Miles Mastrobuoni capitalized on Nicolas’ wildness by drawing six straight bases-loaded walks, bringing in three runs for the Cubs. The relievers continued to struggle, with Josh Fleming walking Yan Gomes and Colin Holderman walking Seiya Suzuki and Cody Bellinger to give Chicago an 8-6 lead. This six-walk performance tied the Cubs’ record for most walks in a single inning over the past 50 seasons.
Following a 2-hour and 20-minute rain delay, the Pirates managed to regain the lead with three runs in the bottom half of the fifth. Despite this, the Cubs’ record-breaking performance in the fifth inning showcased the unpredictable nature of baseball. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the unusual circumstances of the game, emphasizing the significance of the walks in allowing the Cubs to make a comeback from a significant deficit.
The Chicago Cubs’ extraordinary display of patience and discipline at the plate resulted in a historic achievement that will be remembered for years to come. This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that baseball offers, with teams capable of rewriting the record books in unexpected ways.