Five days after fateful misplay by Cubs’ Almora, center fielder makes ‘best catch of career’

In the fourth inning of a scoreless game eventually won by the Cubs 8-2, Albert Almora Jr. went over the outfield wall, with full extension, to bring back an apparent home-run smash by the Cardinals’ Yadier Molina.

ST. LOUIS — The low point in center fielder Albert Almora Jr.’s disappointing season had to be the defensive play he failed to make last Sunday in the finale of a miserable four-game series against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

With Cubs starter Yu Darvish trying to nail down a complete game victory in the ninth inning, leading 2-1, pinch hitter Jose Martinez hit a deep fly to center. Almora took a couple of steps in, then retreated, turned the wrong way and had the ball glance off his glove for a triple.

Game. Sweep. Season.

Has Almora’s time as a Cub all but run out? Maybe so. But at least he’ll have Friday’s defensive gem — which he called his best catch in the big leagues — here against the playoff-bound Cards.

In the fourth inning of a scoreless game eventually won by the Cubs 8-2, Almora went over the outfield wall, with full extension, to bring back an apparent home-run smash by Yadier Molina.

“That’s the best catch I’ve ever had when I’ve been pitching,” Cubs starter Alec Mills said.

That helped Mills get through five outstanding innings. The right-hander, who could be in line for a stepped-up role in 2020, struck out nine and allowed only one run as the Cubs ended a nine-game losing streak.

St. Louis remained a game in front of Milwaukee in the NL Central.

Castellanos out

Nicholas Castellanos was scratched from the lineup after experiencing tightness in his groin while going through his pregame routine. Manager Joe Maddon was unsure if the outfielder would make another appearance before the season ends Sunday.

Almora — weren’t we just talking about him? — was the last name onto the lineup card, with Tony Kemp moving over to Castellanos’ usual spot in right field.

Team Joe

Darvish on Maddon, whose days with the Cubs appear to be numbered: “He’s a great person, not only a great manager. Especially last year and the beginning of this year, he was so patient for me. That’s why I feel really good now, because of him.”

Joe’s old team

With a 6-2 victory in Toronto, the Rays clinched an AL wild card — their first playoff berth since 2013, Maddon’s eighth and next-to-last season as their manager.

“Congrats,” Maddon said. “I love it. Good for them.”