Victor Who?

When I say "Cubs," you think of offensive stars such as Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez, Kyle Schwarber or mid-season deadline acquisition Nicholas Castellanos.

But Thursday night's difference maker at Citi Field wasn't any of them. It was Victor Caratini, the backup catcher, who occasionally fills in at 1st base. With Rizzo sidelined with a back injury, that's where he played, hitting sixth against Jacob de Grom. The result: two booming home runs; the first tied the game in the second inning, the other, a three run shot down the right field line put the Cubs ahead to stay in their 4-1 series sweeping victory over the Mets.

Caratini dominated de Grom the way few have in recent years: two home runs, four RBIs. Seemingly taken from the Mike Ford/Mike Tauchman Yankee playbook -- an unheralded reserve stepping up bigtime -- Caratini single-handedly handed the reigning Cy Young winner his worst outing since May 17th against Miami.

The win helped the Cubs keep their grip on the second NL Wild Card; but pushed the Mets five back in that battle for the final post-season spot.

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