Cubs' Ian Happ's Baserunning Blunder Hands Cardinals a Double Play in 3-0 Loss

In a moment that left Cubs fans groaning, Ian Happ turned a routine single into a baserunning blunder during Thursday's clash against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Chicago Cubs outfielder, in his ninth MLB season, kicked off the game with a sharp single to left field. But what followed was a masterclass in how to snatch defeat from the jaws of opportunity.

With Seiya Suzuki at the plate, Happ took off from first base as Suzuki's fly ball soared to right field. Cardinals outfielder Alec Burleson snagged the ball, and Happ, realizing his misstep, scrambled back to first. Here's where it gets painful: Happ had touched second base on his sprint but forgot to retouch it on his retreat—a critical rule violation. Despite beating the throw back to first, the umpires called him out for the oversight, handing the Cardinals a slick double play to end the inning.

The Cubs still managed a 3-0 victory over their NL Central rivals, but Happ's gaffe was the talk of the game. For a three-time Gold Glove winner, it was a rare misstep that reminded everyone: even the pros can trip over the basics.