May 05--Javier Baez collected the fourth three-hit game of his career Wednesday, but it was a grounder to second that resulted in a force play that impressed veteran David Ross as much as any of his hits.
"I'm super impressed," Ross said after Baez made a conscious effort to hit the ball the other way instead of trying to pull the ball -- a habit that often resulted in a strikeout or double play.
Baez's force play resulted in the Chicago Cubs scoring an insurance run in the ninth inning of their 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates that completed their first three-game sweep at PNC Park since 2012.
The Cubs, without Jason Heyward or Miguel Montero, continue to roll at an amazing pace thanks to contributions from their reserve players like Baez.
"Javy continues to play a different level of baseball," manager Joe Maddon said. "I'm talking about the whole game. He's so mentally aware of the situation that's it's fun to watch."
Baez's batting average climbed to .341, an impressive mark considering his playing time has been infrequent. But Maddon has found ways to insert his versatile 23-year-old star who was once regarded as the top prospect in the organization before Kris Bryant came along and Baez struggled with plate discipline.
"He lengthens our lineup," winning pitcher Jon Lester said after Baez drove in two runs. "Not only is he a guy who can play the heck of an infield (defense), but he gives you another guy at the bottom end of the lineup who has some thump."
Baez made his second consecutive start at third and played flawlessly, albeit without the degree of difficulty that he performed Tuesday night.
"Nevertheless, "his defense is some of the best I've ever seen," Ross said.
Perhaps Lester gave Baez the highest compliment by comparing him to Ben Zobrist, who emerged as a valuable mainstay because of his ability to play several positions at a high level. Baez started to learn to play the outfield last December in Puerto Rico.
"He's done a great job of adjusting to those positions," Lester said. "You can't tell if he's in outfield or playing short or third. It's nice."
