VIDEO: Javier Baez Gives Cubs Early Lead With 25th Home Run of Season Against Giants

Javy Baez and the Cubs would like to avoid a similar fate than they suffered on Tuesday night, in which they lost on a walk-off home run from San Francisco Giants slugger Pablo Sandoval. On Wednesday afternoon by the Bay, Baez gave the Cubs an early advantage via a solo shot--his 25th homer of the season.

Baez is hands-down one of the best shortstops in baseball, and the All-Star delivers far more pop at the plate than most who play his position. The 26-year-old's value for the North Siders cannot be overstated, and as the Cubs are in the midst of a brutal road stretch, they need him now more than ever.