Watch: Albert Almora Jr Puts Cubs on Board with Pinch-Hit Single

The Cubs hadn’t notched a hit against Max Scherzer until Ben Zobrist’s one-out double in the bottom of the 7th. Closing in on the century mark for pitches, Scherzer was lifted for lefty Sammy Solis, a move that prompted Joe Maddon to swap Albert Almora Jr. for Kyle Schwarber.

Still smarting from the dual errors that had cost his team a run, you know Schwarber was hoping to get a chance to redeem himself. It wouldn’t come, but he wasn’t about to hang his head. Almora’s biggest cheerleader was the man he replaced in the order. Fresh off the bench, the new batter worked a full count and singled to left to score Zobrist and tie the game.

CAN’T TEACH CLUTCH. #FlyTheW pic.twitter.com/CIM8gBrqk8

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 9, 2017