Maddon's challenge shuts down potential Nationals comeback

Joe Maddon, the genius.

During a crucial eighth inning of game five of the National League Division Series on Thursday between the Chicago Cubs and the Washington Nationals, Maddon challenged a call on the field to end what looked like a potential comeback from the Nationals.

With Washington pulling within one run of Chicago and with two runners on, Nationals baserunner Jose Lobaton leaned too far from first base with his lead and appeared to be thrown out by catcher Willson Contreras.

Lobaton was ruled safe by first-base umpire Will Little before Maddon used a challenge to prove the Nationals baserunner lifted his foot with Anthony Rizzo's tag still applied.

Maddon's challenge ended the inning with the Cubs atop the Nationals 9-8 in the contest to decide which team will advance to the NLCS to battle the Los Angeles Dodgers.