Javier Baez Turned Inning-Ending Double Play By Letting Ball Fall Intentionally, Getting Both Baserunners

Javier Baez has been vibrant this postseason, and playing really well. He just made a really smart play to end a threat by the Dodgers in the top of the 6th. With runners on 1st and 2nd, and 1 out, a sinking line drive was hit toward second base. Javier Baez could have caught the ball in the air for an out, but circled behind it, let it bounce, then immediately threw to second.

Adrian Gonzalez took off for third base after seeing the ball bounce, and the Cubs eventually got him in the run down as well.

This scenario is the reason that the infield fly rule is in place. However, Baez was smart enough to make the play and the ball never got high enough to call infield fly. He even provided a nice wink to the cameras to acknowledge the play.