Nico Hoerner conjures images of Ryne Sandberg with ‘incredible’ double play

On the top shelf of Nico Hoerner’s locker is an autographed baseball card of Ryne Sandberg. A fan gave it to him in spring training, asking for nothing in return. The fan just wanted Hoerner to have it.Maybe Hoerner reminded the fan of Sandberg because, if you didn’t know better, you would’ve thought Sandberg was playing second base for the Cubs on Sunday. Hoerner made a play that called to mind many of those made by the late Hall of Famer, turning a double play to end the sixth inning in a lopsided 8-4 victory against the Diamondbacks.After missing most of the last two games with a stiff neck, no less.‘‘That was huge,’’ said left-hander Matthew Boyd, who raised his fist in celebration of the play, which ended the last of his six innings. ‘‘It keeps me at 94 pitches. [Nolan] Arenado was on deck, another good hitter. That was an amazing play.’’‘‘I saw the ball go up, and I was, like, ‘Nobody’s gonna get it,’ ’’ catcher Carson Kelly said. ‘‘And then Nico bolted over there and got it. That was incredible.’’With one out and Corbin Carroll on first, Hoerner ran to cover second base as the Diamondbacks executed a hit-and-run with Ildemaro Vargas at the plate. But Vargas hit a pop-up that was headed where Hoerner had been positioned, at straight-up double-play depth.With an outbound wind pushing the ball toward short right field, Hoerner ran back like a wide receiver, made an over-the-shoulder catch and, in Sandberg-like fashion, whirled…

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