WATCH: Ian Happ powers out leadoff home run that bounces off foul pole |
Saturday, August 29, 2020, 8:03 PM | - -

CINCINNATI — Benefiting from a lucky bounce, Ian Happ powered out a leadoff home run in the first plate appearance of Saturday evening's contest at Great American Ball Park. Happ hit a 331-footer that bounced off the padding at the top of the right field wall before ricocheting off the foul pole for a home run that boasted a steep launch angle of 46 degrees.
Cincinnati Reds starter Tejay Antone gave up the round-tripper, Happ's seventh of the season, on a slider that broke over the plate. The umpiring crew reviewed the home run, and the call stood, giving the Cubs an early 1-0 lead. Happ has now recorded two leadoff blasts this summer.
.@ihapp_1, corner pocket.@BinnysBev pic.twitter.com/TOlhIYBuFh
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 29, 2020
Launch angle of 46 degrees ??
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 29, 2020
Second leadoff home run of the season for @ihapp_1! pic.twitter.com/FHy1qaxYHM
#Cubs 1 @ #Reds 0 [T1-0o]:
— Home Run Tracker (@DingerTracker) August 29, 2020
Ian Happ homers (7): fly ball to RF (solo)
Hit: 331ft, 99.1mph, 46°
Pitch: 83.3mph Slider (RHP Tejay Antone, 2)
From @ESPNStatsInfo: Ian Happ's leadoff HR was hit with a launch angle of 46 degrees.Tied for the highest launch angle on a HR this year and is the highest launch angle on a Cubs HR in the Statcast era (since 2015). It had a 2% hit probability based on exit velo and launch angle
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 30, 2020