"Get that man a tamata sandwich" - Dansby Swanson's wife Mallory Swanson celebrates husband's first grand slam with Cubs
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson blasted his first grand slam in Monday's emphatic 18-8 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The Chicago club had a 7-2 lead in the top of the sixth inning when the 30-year-old righty stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and sent Domingo German pitch into the stands at left field.
It marks Swanson's first grand slam hit since making the move from the Atlanta Braves. His wife Mallory Pugh Swanson – who is a professional soccer player and won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with the US Women's National Team – marked the moment by posting an Instagram story with the caption:
"Get that man a tamata sandwich!!!"
Dansby Swanson was selected No. 1 overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2015 MLB draft but was traded to the Atlanta Braves after one season in the minors. He went on to make his major league debut with the Braves in 2016 but was subsequently mired by injuries over the next two years of his career.
However, he soon found his form over the 2019 season and broke into the Atlanta lineup. The shortstop went on to win the World Series with the Braves in 2021 before signing with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent in 2022.
The Cubs (66-66) entered their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates (62-69) in second place in the NL Central standings and got off to a strong start early in the game. They were 3-0 up by the third inning, with their offense firing on all cylinders.
Swanson's grand slam in the sixth extended their lead to 11-2 on the evening, essentially taking the game away from the Pirates. While Pittsburgh's offense fought back later in the game, it wasn't enough as the Cubs recorded a memorable 18-8 victory.
Miguel Amaya shines for Cubs as Dansby Swanson records first grand slam in thrilling win vs Pirates
There were plenty of highlights from the high-scoring game over on Monday. While Dansby Swanson recorded his first grand slam for Chicago, the Cubbies recorded eight stolen bases in a game for the first time since 1913, with Pete Crow-Armstrong leading the way with three hits and three stolen bases.
However, arguably the standout performer of the night was catcher Miguel Amaya, who went 4-for-5 with four RBIs. The Panamian catcher seems to have found his groove and is enjoying his first season in the MLB as the Cubs continue their hot run of form.
Both clubs will meet again in the second game of their series on Tuesday.