Chicago Cubs utility man Christopher Morel launched the first walk-off home run of his career on Wednesday night, and he certainly made sure to enjoy the moment.
Morel delivered a game-winning, three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox, keeping his team's playoff hopes alive in the process. The right-handed hitter came out of the batter's box hot, and he only picked up steam when he saw the ball clear the ivy wall in right center.
Ripping off his helmet and putting his arms up in celebration, Morel sprinted all the way around the bases as the fans at Wrigley Field went ballistic.
Morel ripped off his jersey as he rounded third and got swarmed by his teammates at the plate.
It was the second career walk-off RBI for Morel, who previously notched a game-winning sacrifice fly as a rookie on June 1, 2022. The Cubs were nine games below .500 heading into that game, though, and while it did come against an NL Central foe in the Milwaukee Brewers, it wasn't against his team's crosstown rival, nor was it a game-ending home run.
Morel's walk-off home run Wednesday was the first by any Cub since Jason Heyward's against the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 8, 2021, according to CHGO Sports' Ryan Herrera.
The 24-year-old outfielder, second baseman and designated hitter finished the night 2-for-4. He is now batting .260 with 19 home runs, 59 RBI and an .843 OPS on the season.
The Cubs are officially tied for second place in the division alongside the Reds, trailing the Brewers by 2.5 games. Chicago, Cincinnati and the Miami Marlins are in a three-way tie for the third and final NL Wild Card spot, although the Cubs have played two fewer games and therefore hold the top winning percentage of the bunch.
On the morning of July 18, Morel and the Cubs were 43-50, but a 19-8 stretch over the last month has vaulted them back into contention with the postseason right around the corner.
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