Justin Turner had been struggling to get hits, especially extra-base hits, in his limited role off the Chicago Cubs’ bench. Six weeks into the season, he still hadn’t recorded an extra-base hit when he came to bat with one out and runners on the corners in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.
Turner swung and missed at Jesús Tinoco’s first-pitch slider but connected on the next one, which hung over the plate. He ripped it down the left-field line for a two-run, walk-off double, scoring Vidal Bruján and Nico Hoerner to give the Cubs a 5-4 victory.
The rally was sparked by a Marlins error, timely hitting, and heads-up baserunning. Xavier Edwards misplayed a grounder from Carson Kelly, Dansby Swanson drew a walk, and Moisés Ballesteros, in his MLB debut, hustled to avoid a double play. Hoerner, celebrating his 28th birthday, singled to make it 4-3, setting the stage for Turner, who had entered as a pinch hitter.
Turner, who’d been batting .155 with a .271 on-base percentage, emphasized resilience: “You’ve got to show up and work every day, or this game will humble you. I’ve been struggling, but tonight felt good.” His clutch double was his first extra-base hit of the season, a timely breakthrough for the Cubs (25-18).
Despite his struggles, Turner has excelled with runners in scoring position, going 6-for-12 with seven RBIs and six walks before the game-winner. Teammate Nico Hoerner praised his professionalism: “His at-bats are still so impressive, especially for someone not playing every day. With a runner on third, there’s no one I’d rather have up.”
The Cubs’ comeback was also fueled by Ryan Pressly’s clutch relief work. After Julian Merryweather allowed the Marlins to take a 4-2 lead, Pressly struck out Kyle Stowers to strand two runners, preserving the Cubs’ chance to rally.
Source: Yahoosports.com
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