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

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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Evan Bleier

Evan is a senior editor with InsideHook who earned a master’s degree in journalism from NYU and has called Brooklyn home since 2006. A fan of Boston sports, Nashville hot chicken and Kentucky bourbon, Evan has had his work published in publications including “Maxim,” Bleacher Report and “The Daily Mail.”