Roughly two months after being launched, veteran catcher Christian Bethancourt joined a uncommon group, enjoying an enormous function in a 14-10 come-from-behind victory by the Chicago Cubs over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
In response to Stathead, Bethancourt is barely the fifth catcher in MLB historical past to have a minimum of three hits and knock in seven or extra runs in a recreation whereas batting within the ninth place. The 32-year-old joins an inventory that features Mike Zunino (2017), Charles Johnson (2000), Joe Girardi (1999) and Jerry Grote (1981).
Earlier than the Nationwide League adopted the designated hitter in 2022, pitchers predominantly batted final within the order, whereas lighter-hitting backstops like Bethancourt batted forward of them in lots of instances. Nonetheless, even contemplating that, the achievement remains to be spectacular as solely 10 catchers have posted a recreation with a minimum of three hits and 7 RBI batting out of the eighth place.
In the meantime, Bethancourt is the forty ninth catcher, no matter their spot within the lineup, to perform the feat. He is the third to take action this season, alongside Detroit Tigers’ Jake Rogers and J.T. Realmuto of the Philadephia Phillies.
It has been a heck of a come-up for Bethancourt. Launched on June 27 by the Miami Marlins, he is discovered a groove with the North Siders, albeit in restricted motion.
In 38 video games with the Marlins, Bethancourt recorded two house runs and eight RBI, batting .159/.198/.268. Since becoming a member of the Cubs on July 5, he is slashing .407/.448/.889 with three lengthy balls and 15 RBI over 11 contests.
