Chicago Cubs center fielder Mike Tauchman reacts after making a game-winning catch robbing a home run. Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Cubs outfielder makes game-saving catch

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 7/29/23

Bottom of the ninth, with two outs and the game on the line, Chicago Cubs outfielder Mike Tauchman made what is likely to be one of the best plays of the year.

With the Cubs holding on to a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Alec Burleson hit a drive to deep center with a runner on third and Tauchman made a leaping grab at the wall to rob Burleson of a game-winning home run.

HOLY COW!! MIKE TAUCHMAN!

CUBS WIN! pic.twitter.com/K7nFdwZ8im
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 29, 2023

Not only did the catch win the game, but it also kept the Cubs' winning streak alive, pushing it to seven games.

Winners of nine out of their last 10 games, the Cubs find themselves only four-and-a-half games out of first place in the National League Central division and three-and-a-half games out of a wild-card spot.

Tauchman's catch could be yet another huge momentum boost as the Cubs look to make a playoff push after originally planning to be sellers at the deadline.

The Cubs understandably are said to be rethinking their earlier inclination to sell thanks to a 6-game winning streak that has lifted them to .500 and 4 out for the Wild Card. That could remove two key pieces — Cody Bellinger and Marcus Stroman — from the trade market.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2023

With the trade deadline set for Aug. 1, the next few days will be huge in what direction the franchise will be taking over the foreseeable future.

With potential impending free agents including slugger Cody Bellinger and pitcher Marcus Stroman, pulling them back from the trade market could be risky if they don't end up staying with the Cubs after this season.

This isn't the first time Tauchman has made a game-saving play in the outfield, making a familiar play in a familiar situation just two seasons ago as a member of the San Francisco Giants.