Javier Baez came through at the most important time to deliver his 20th home run of the season on Friday, when he helped the Chicago Cubs secure a win over the Toronto Blue Jays and also tied a franchise record.
Baez became the fifth Cubs player to reach the 20 home run milestone this season, matching a franchise record set three previous years. The last was in 2008.
Javier Báez: 5th different #Cubs player to reach 20 HR this season. Ties franchise record (1958, 2004, 2008)
— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) August 18, 2017
The home run came in the eighth inning and expanded the Cubs lead to 7-4.
Javier Baez becomes the 5th #Cubs player with at least 20 HRs this season. That ties a franchise single-season record. pic.twitter.com/JGIX8lfJym
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) August 18, 2017
Baez joined Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Willson Contreras and Kyle Schwarber in the 20 home run club this year.
The Cubs have a good shot at setting a new mark for this feat, as rookie Ian Happ currently has 17 home runs.