Defensive gems by Arenado, Wolters spark Rox
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DENVER -- Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado figured he'd take matters into his own glove -- and his team responded during a 5-2 victory over the Cubs at Coors Field on Saturday night.
With aggressive Cubs baserunner Albert Almora Jr. at second -- courtesy of a fifth-inning leadoff double off Tyler Anderson -- Javier Báez sent a grounder that required Arenado to stray toward the middle of the field. Almora figured he could dash to an uncovered third. But Arenado wouldn't allow it. He made the one-handed fielding play and tag, all in one motion, and had plenty of arm to throw out Baez at first base.
The play held the Rockies' deficit to 2-0. The Rockies would rally for five runs in the bottom of the fifth against Cubs starter Yu Darvish, including an RBI single from Arenado.
Anderson, who held the Cubs to two runs in six innings and struck out six, pointed out that Arenado and catcher Tony Wolters, who caught David Bote trying to steal third for a double play in the second, earned him four key outs.
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"They gave us two outs at third that were really big and helped keep momentum on our side with that one," Anderson said. "And then Darvish striking out and Tony making that play at third -- both of those. Anytime a guy goes from scoring position to off the bases, it's huge for us."