After second baseman Starlin Castro squeezed the line drive for the final out in the Cubs’ 4-0 victory Wednesday over the Pirates, teammates danced around the field like the kids they still are.
In the middle of the mania, first baseman Anthony Rizzo lifted Jake Arrieta and put the pitcher over his shoulder for a few steps of frolicking. The man who had carried the Cubs this far was getting a well-deserved ride.
“Three cheers for Jake Arrieta!” a voice in a jubilant Cubs clubhouse yelled.
Three collective claps later, bedlam ensued. Rookie star Kris Bryant sprayed champagne and President Theo Epstein chugged it as teammates hugged and music blared. The pleasure easily exceeded the pressure.
What about the fearless Astros?