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Chicago Cubs star Nico Hoerner did his best basketball impression, throwing the baseball between his legs to make a sensational play on a bunt.
In the top of the fifth inning of the Cubs’ 3-0 loss to the Houston Astros on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field, Hoerner showed off his defensive prowess. Astros catcher César Salazar tried to jump Cubs starting pitcher Colin Rea and opened the inning with a bunt single on Rea’s first pitch of the frame.
Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove winner, ran on Salazar’s jab. Salazar runs well, leaving Hoerner’s options limited after he picked up the ball with his bare hand.
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Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs plays second base during a game against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field in Chicago on May 22, 2026. (Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
They say necessity is the mother of invention.
In one motion, the 29-year-old pulled his right leg behind him, creating an opening for him to throw the ball between his legs to first base, despite all his momentum coming toward home plate. First baseman Michael Busch ended the game by reaching out and spinning Hoerner’s blinding throw to complete the highlight reel and pinch off the speedy Salazar.
Hoerner’s through-the-legs throw evoked memories of New York Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon and Chicago White Sox Mark Buehrle, both of whom played similarly.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner runs onto the field before a game against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Ill., on May 22, 2026. (Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images)
Colon fielded Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour’s weak dribble down the first base line and casually flipped the ball behind his back to complete the strikeout.
Buehrle was drilled in the foot by a comebacker and the ball ricocheted into foul territory at first base. He rushed over and tipped the ball with his glove through his legs to complete the strike.
Like Colon and Buehrle, Hoerner’s stellar play will be featured on highlights for a long time.
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Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs plays second base during a game against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Ill., on May 22, 2026. (Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
Unfortunately for the Cubs, Hoerner’s excellent play was one of their few highlights in their loss to the Astros.
The Cubs (29-23) will look to bounce back when they play the Astros (22-31) in the final game of a three-game series on Sunday at 2:20 PM ET and hope to avoid the sweep.
