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Jet Flyover Shocks Fans, Players During Chicago Cubs' 7th-Inning Stretch

Rehearsals for the Chicago Air and Water Show interrupted Hayden Christensen's rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and startled the Cubs' dugout.
Sam Connon|
Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Pittsburgh Pirates take batting practice before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Pittsburgh Pirates take batting practice before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. | David Banks-Imagn Images

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When the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates wrapped up the top of the seventh inning Friday afternoon, the traditional seventh-inning stretch got underway at Wrigley Field.

But after "Star Wars" actor Hayden Christensen and his daughter finished the count-off from the booth, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" started with a bit more of a bang than usual.

A formation of fighter jets flew over the park just as the song was getting underway, causing fans to duck and look around in confusion. Christensen eventually resumed singing through some laughter, while the crowd joined back in after some hoots and hollers.

The jets were going through rehearsals for the annual Chicago Air and Water Show, which is set to take place Saturday and Sunday.

The bleachers and press box weren't alone in getting caught off guard, either.

Marquee Sports Network came back from a commercial break with a clip of the Cubs' dugout during the surprise flyover. Veteran first baseman Justin Turner ducked for cover, then got back up and seemingly shouted "My God."

Pete Crow-Armstrong flinched, coaches covered their ears and Matt Shaw gave Ian Happ a hug.

The Cubs proceeded to score the tying run the very next frame, courtesy of a Shaw sacrifice fly. Pittsburgh jumped back ahead on a Jack Suwinski home run in the top of the ninth, though, and Chicago failed to force extras after Crow-Armstrong got caught trying to steal second.

Both the Cubs and Pirates are now 3-7 over their last 10 games. They will resume their series Saturday at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Related MLB Stories

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  • CUTCH MAKES HISTORY: While he hasn't recorded a hit in over a week, Andrew McCutchen has managed to chip in for the Pittsburgh Pirates by staying disciplined at the plate. CLICK HERE
  • METS SLUMPING HARD: Another blown lead against the Atlanta Braves brought the New York Mets to 2-13 over their last 15 games, marking a steep dropoff from their first-place standing in June. CLICK HERE

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Sam Connon
SAM CONNON

Sam Connon is a staff writer covering baseball for “Fastball on SI.’’ He previously covered UCLA Athletics for On SI’s All Bruins site, and is a UCLA graduate, with his work there as a sports columnist receiving awards from the College Media Association and Society of Professional Journalists. Connon also wrote for On SI’s New England Patriots site, Patriots Country, and he was on the Patriots and Boston Red Sox beats at Prime Time Sports Talk. Sam lives in Boston.

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