What Nico Hoerner's walk-off vs. Braves meant to Cubs

During Tuesday's home game against the Atlanta Braves, the Chicago Cubs were in desperate need of a victory. They entered the contest losing three of their last five games, including a series loss to the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Now, the Cubs are back on the winning side in part due to the late-game heroics of second baseman Nico Hoerner, who returned to the lineup after missing six games due to an injury. 

How it happened 

It wasn't looking good early for the Cubs on this night, as Orlando Arcia quickly launched a two-run shot in the second inning to give the Braves an early 2-0 lead. 

But Chicago quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning with two of its own, courtesy of an RBI single from Mike Tauchman and a passed ball that allowed Dansby Swanson to score. 

Michael Harris II gave Atlanta the lead back with a solo shot in the fourth, but the Cubs tied the game in the sixth on Tauchman's second RBI single of the evening. 

The Braves threatened from there, but Chicago's bullpen held on to send the game into extras. 

Welcome back 

Atlanta couldn't score in the top half of the 10th, setting up a chance for the Cubs to secure the victory. 

With one out and runners on the corners, it was Hoerner's turn to come to the plate and bring home the winning run. 

After fouling off the first two pitches from relief pitcher Aaron Bummer, Hoerner chopped one over to the left side, but Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies couldn't make a play on it, allowing Cody Bellinger to score the winning run for Chicago and send the capacity crowd at Wrigley Field into a frenzy. 

The Cubs realized how much they missed Hoerner 

During their losing streak last week, the Cubs were hampered by poor hitting and injuries, but also rough defensive performances from Nick Madrigal and Miles Mastrobuoni, both spots that would normally be filled by Hoerner and shortstop Dansby Swanson. Both made crucial defensive plays that their backups wouldn't have against the Braves, eventually leading to the win. 

Chicago's performance at the plate has been rather disappointing as of late, but returning Hoerner back in the leadoff spot gives it a chance to get baserunners on quickly and take advantage of Hoerner's speed on the basepaths. He doesn't have much power in his bat, but he is a solid contact hitter and a player that all 29 other teams would love to have on their roster. 

Lucky for Chicago, they were the franchise that selected him in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft and will have the Gold Glove winner for the next three seasons after a contract extension in March of 2023. 

Moving forward

This was a great opportunity for the Cubs to get back on track against one of baseball's best teams, and they took full advantage of it. Tuesday's game was the opening game of a three-game set against Atlanta at Wrigley Field, and a series victory will help give this squad some confidence as June approaches. 

Following their series with the Braves, Chicago's next three series will come against NL Central opponents. The Cubs will travel to St Louis this weekend to take on the Cardinals, followed by a road series against the Brewers and a home date against the Reds.