Jeff Samardzija breaks bat over his knee after failed bunt (GIF)
By Hayden Kane
Look, Jeff Samardzija just really cares about bunting, OK?
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You would too, if you played for the Chicago Cubs. You would get this passionate about sacrifice bunts if you knew how hard runs were to come by and if you had gone months this season without logging your first win. Samardzija figures to get traded before next month’s deadline, especially given the lack of traction in extension talks with the Cubs, but in the meantime he is going to wear his heart on his sleeve when it comes to bunts.
On this night Samardzija failed to get the sacrifice bunt down early against the Cincinnati Reds. This was truly, completely, and utterly unacceptable. In case you had any doubt about that fact, please regard Samardzija’s reaction to his shortcoming as the ball floated harmlessly into the silly Canadian first base glove of Joey Votto.
If this frustration was in fact an expression of the offensive ineptitude of the Cubs, Samardzija wasn’t far off the mark. One bad break with a ball that disappeared into the outfield ivy at Wrigley Field and the Cubs once again found themselves wasting a stellar outing from their staff ace.
The game was still winnable, but not to Samardzija’s credit. Seriously man, you would probably break your bat too.