Cubs’ Addison Russell coming up big in the clutch

9:02 AM ET

CHICAGO – Does Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell have the clutch gene? Is there even such a thing in baseball? The concept of clutch hitting has always been a hotly debated topic, but instead of rehashing it here, let’s just enjoy the small sample size which illustrates Russell is at his best in the most important moments of Cubs games this season.

Russell has some strange splits that might point even further to his focus at the plate when the Cubs need him the most, but let’s start with this statistic: When the game is deemed late/close — basically meaning it’s the seventh inning or later in a one-run or tie game — Russell is hitting a whopping .400 with a 1.255 OPS. Overall, he’s hitting .265, so it’s safe to say something is going on when the game is on the line.

“It’s learning how to compete in the moment,” manager Joe Maddon said recently. “The heartbeat slows down.”

Maddon sees that in Russell both at the plate and within his personality. There’s a calm and quiet to him in the clubhouse, which apparently translates to some big moments in the game. At least, that’s what the Cubs think.

When the Cubs have needed a run this season, time after time Addison Russell has been able to pick it up. AP Photo/Matt Marton

“He’s as consistent a personality as anyone on this team,” catcher David Ross said. “He’s very, very poised for such a young, young player. Even on defense you don’t see him rush. He stays at an even keel.”

That coolness was on display several times last week, as Russell broke a scoreless tie against the San Diego Padres last Tuesday with an RBI double in the second inning, doubled home two more in a 2-2 game Wednesday again then hit a three-run shot to open the scoring on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The common theme among those moments was the game was tied at the time of each big hit. That’s another Russell specialty: He’s hitting .360 with a 1.229 OPS when the game is even.

And that kind of production has him on pace to shatter the all-time record (111) for RBIs …

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