Did the Rockies Almost Lose in the Playoffs Because of a Hug?

Nolan Arenado and Javier Baez shared a weird moment in the 11th inning.

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 02:  Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs hugs Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies in the eleventh inning during the National League Wild Card Game at Wrigley Field on October 2, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 02: Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs hugs Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies in the eleventh inning during the National League Wild Card Game at Wrigley Field on October 2, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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The Cubs being cuddly almost helped them get a shot at the World Series.

In the bottom of the 11th inning with the score tied at a run apiece, Chicago’s Willson Contreras hit a chopper to the left side with two on and one out.

Colorado’s Nolan Arenado fielded the ball and then tagged out Javier Baez – and then hung one in one of the more bizarre moments you’ll ever see on a baseball field.

Even though there were still baserunners who could have potentially been thrown out, Arenado held on to Baez (or Baez held on to Arenado) and declined to try and get an additional out.

Ultimately, it didn’t end up coming back to haunt him as the Rockies got a run in the top of the 13th inning thanks to three straight two-out singles by Trevor Story, Gerardo Parra, and Tony Wolters.

Scott Oberg pitched the bottom of the frame for the Rockies as they eked out the 2-1 lead to eliminate the Cubs.

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