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Christian Bethancourt keys Cubs’ huge comeback vs. Pirates
The journey to a moment like this has been long and winding. Christian Bethancourt played for the Braves and the Padres from 2013 to 2017, including a difficult stint as a pitcher at Triple-A El Paso in 2017. He spent 2018 as a Minor Leaguer in the Brewers’ system before competing in the Dominican Winter League and KBO from 2018 to 2021.
After a strong performance at Triple-A Indianapolis with the Pirates in 2021, he made his way back to the Majors, joining Oakland in 2022 and Tampa Bay from 2022 to 2023. This season, the Cubs offered him an opportunity as a free-agent signing on July 5, following a brief, challenging time with the Marlins.
Bethancourt discussed the Cubs’ comeback win, emphasizing the importance of perseverance until the last out, his impressive seven-RBI performance, and more.
As a backup to Miguel Amaya, Bethancourt understood the need to put in extra effort. He committed to taking additional reps and practicing more intensely. He dedicated extra time to preparation and maintaining readiness, knowing that this moment could be crucial for his career in the Major Leagues.
“I was like, ‘This is probably my last shot, so I have to take the most of it,’” Bethancourt remarked.
How has Bethancourt fared in what he believed might be his final opportunity? He boasts an impressive batting average of .407 (11-for-27), including four doubles, three home runs, and 15 RBIs.
“I don’t know how you can play better than he’s played,” said manager Craig Counsell. “It’s been limited at-bats, yet every time he’s in, there are extra-base hits, RBIs, and he’s throwing out runners. He’s been incredible. How can you play better than he’s played since he’s been here?”
Counsell also commented on the Cubs’ exceptional at-bats against the Pirates’ bullpen, highlighting Christian Bethancourt’s seven-RBI game and more in their victory.
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PITTSBURGH — Cubs Ride on Bethancourt’s Performance to Overcome Pirates
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When Cubs catcher Christian Bethancourt stepped up to bat in the ninth inning, the pressure was immense. Chicago had clawed back from a 10-3 deficit after five innings, and with two outs in the ninth, the tying run was on third base while the go-ahead run was waiting at first.
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In a notable twist, Bethancourt’s path mirrors the qualities that enabled the Cubs to recover from their seven-run disadvantage on Wednesday. This resurgence has brought them from a ten-game deficit below .500 on June 8 to a 68-66 record, keeping them within five games of the final National League Wild Card position.
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“He’s remained committed. The game hasn’t always been generous to him, yet he has managed to push through challenges,” Counsell remarked. “He has come in here, understands his role, appreciates what he’s doing, and excels at it.”
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- Tags: Cubs, Christian Bethancourt, comeback, MLB News
- Date: August 28, 2024
- Author: Jake Crouse
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Catcher propels Chicago to 11 unanswered runs, completing series sweep against Pittsburgh
August 28th, 2024
PITTSBURGH — In the ninth inning, Cubs catcher Christian Bethancourt found himself in a pivotal moment at the plate. Chicago had rallied from a 10-3 deficit after five innings, and with two outs in the ninth, the tying run stood on third while the go-ahead run occupied second base.
The Pirates opted to intentionally walk Pete Crow-Armstrong, setting the stage for Bethancourt. The 32-year-old catcher reminded himself, “This is your moment to excel.” However, a much different message was being shouted by someone waiting in the on-deck circle.
“I had a fan yelling very loudly, like, ‘You stink!’” Bethancourt recalled. “That stuck with me. I thought, ‘You cannot fail this time. You need to make him stop talking.’
“And that’s exactly what I did.”
Facing Pirates closer David Bednar, Bethancourt capped off an extraordinary comeback with a two-run single, leading the Cubs to a 14-10 victory at PNC Park. Upon reaching first base, he spotted the fan in the stands, pointed at him, and conveyed the message, “that’s for you.”
This marks the Cubs’ first comeback from a seven-run deficit since April 11, 2023, when they triumphed over the Mariners, 14-9. Additionally, this comeback victory in consecutive seasons is a first since 1998-99. Throughout the series in Pittsburgh, Chicago scored a total of 41 runs, making it only the fourth instance since 1901 that the team has achieved this feat in a three-game series or fewer.
On Wednesday, half of the runs scored by the Cubs were driven in by Bethancourt, the No. 9 hitter, who was making only his 11th appearance with the North Siders.
Bethancourt led the charge as the team started to capitalize on the Pirates’ bullpen in the seventh inning, having scored three runs over the first five innings against rookie sensation Paul Skenes. In the seventh, he launched a two-run homer, and then in the eighth inning, he doubled during a three-run rally.
Later, in the ninth inning, Bethancourt—a former Minor Leaguer with the Pirates in 2021—connected for a two-out hit, transforming cheers into groans at the stadium he never had a chance to play in, and collecting four RBIs, a personal best for a Major League game.
“He’s such a great guy, such a wonderful person,” noted Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks. “He works incredibly hard and provides significant support behind the plate. It’s fantastic to see him succeed in such a crucial moment. He puts in the effort, and he absolutely deserves this.”
Bethancourt’s path to this moment has been anything but straightforward. From 2013 to 2017, he played for the Braves and the Padres, including a challenging season as a pitcher at Triple-A El Paso in 2017. In 2018, he found himself in the Brewers’ Minor League system before spending time in the Dominican Winter League and the KBO from 2018 to 2021.
After a strong performance at Triple-A Indianapolis with the Pirates in 2021, he returned to the Major Leagues with Oakland in 2022, followed by Tampa Bay from 2022 to 2023.
This year, the Cubs provided him an opportunity as a free-agent pickup on July 5, following a challenging brief period with the Marlins.
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In his role as Miguel Amaya’s backup, Bethancourt has intensified his efforts, he mentioned. He increased his practice sessions, took additional reps, and dedicated extra time to stay prepared. Recognizing the significance of this moment for his opportunity to advance in his Major League career, he was determined to make the most of it.
“I thought, ‘This might be my last chance, so I have to seize it,’” Bethancourt remarked.
How has Bethancourt performed in what he believed could be his last opportunity? With an impressive .407 batting average (11-for-27), he has recorded four doubles, three home runs, and 15 RBIs.
“I can’t imagine how anyone could play better than he has,” said manager Craig Counsell. “Despite limited at-bats, every time he steps up to the plate, he gets extra-base hits, drives in runs, and throws out baserunners. His performance has been remarkable. How can you play better than he has?
Interestingly, Bethancourt’s journey reflects the qualities necessary for the Cubs to not only recover from a seven-run deficit on Wednesday but also to rise from 10 games below .500 on June 8 to a current record of 68-66, maintaining contention for the final National League Wild Card spot.
“He has remained committed. The game hasn’t always offered him favorable circumstances, yet he has persevered,” Counsell noted. “He understands his role, enjoys what he does, and excels at it.”
