It was undoubtedly the Diamondbacks’ most thrilling win of the season. The offense ignited early, the pitching rallied late, and clutch hits were plentiful in their 12-11 victory over the Chicago Cubs in 11 innings.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Before tonight, the Diamondbacks were 0-3 in extra innings, including a loss to the Cubs in the series opener.
Offensive Onslaught
The Diamondbacks seized an early 4-1 lead, sparked by a dynamic 3rd inning featuring a two-run homer by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Joc Pederson’s solo shot—his first as a Diamondback.
Joc Pederson demolished his first home run of the year. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/fadmKP6ewi
— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2024
Then, after the Cubs took a 5-4 lead in the 5th inning, Arizona’s offense swiftly responded with four runs of their own. Without relying on flashy hits, the Diamondbacks drew three walks and collected three singles to reclaim the lead at 8-5.
Late Pitching Heroics
It definitely was not an ideal start for the struggling Tommy Henry as he allowed five earned runs on nine hits in 4.1 innings pitched. His season ERA now stands at 6.87 spanning across four starts.
It also was not an ideal night for Luis Frias and Kyle Nelson, who both allowed three earned runs on two hits and a walk. Frias in particular did not manage to secure a single out. The hit that did the majority of the damage in the Cubs’ six-run 7th inning was Ian Happ’s grand slam off Kyle Nelson.
GO-AHEAD GRAND SLAM IAN HAPP 😮 pic.twitter.com/zogwn9ZNiE
— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2024
But, stepping up big for the Diamondbacks in the final couple of innings was Miguel Castro, who tossed 2.1 shutout innings, quieting down a red-hot Cubs’ offense.
His performance kept Chicago scoreless in the 8th and 9th innings, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Torey Lovullo even credited Castro for the win postgame, stating, “The reason why we won this game today is because of Miguel Castro, plain and simple, hands down.”
Kevin Ginkel came through in the 10th, securing a shutout inning despite the challenge of starting with a ghost runner on second base.
Clutch hits
Facing a one-run deficit in the 9th inning with two outs, Ketel Marte delivered a clutch solo home run that barely cleared the right field fence, tying the game.
DOWN TO THEIR FINAL OUT, KETEL MARTE TIES IT 11-11! 🐍
(via @Dbacks)pic.twitter.com/0ruLJoqsUq
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 17, 2024
Marte picked up four hits, and scored three runs. It was his first four-hit game since September 19th, 2023.
In the 10th, to win it for the Diamondbacks, Randal Grichuk wasted no time by driving a ball into the gap, scoring Christan Walker from 2nd base.
Grichuk was pinch hitting for Joc Pederson.
Blaze Alexander also shone at the plate, amassing two hits and driving in three runs, including a pivotal double in the seventh inning to make it 11-9.
Next up
The Diamondbacks conclude their series against the Cubs tomorrow at 12:40 pm. Brandon Pfaadt, with a current ERA of 6.48, is slated to start.
This game marks their last at home before embarking on a 10-day road trip, starting against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday
