The first Friday night home game for the Arizona Diamondbacks is only hours away, as they look to avenge Opening Night their loss to the Chicago Cubs. Last night marked the first time since 2016 that the D-Backs lost an Opening Day game at home.
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Merrill Kelly will get the second start of the season for the Arizona Diamondbacks, as he was moved up once Zac Gallen was named Opening Day starter. Kelly had a decent 2024 when he was healthy. Along with a 5-1 record he had 63 strikeouts in 73.2 innings pitched. He ended the season with a 4.03 ERA. Kelly has fared well pitching against the Cubs, as he’s only allowed just one run over the course of 11 innings in his last two starts.
Sep 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
For the Chicago Cubs, Jameson Taillon will take the mound for Friday’s matchup, pitching at Chase Field for the first time since 2018. Taillon last season in 165.1 innings pitched had 125 strikeouts with a 3.27 ERA. Taillon mentioned earlier, “I feel really good… I definitely feel ahead of where I was last year.” Cubs fans hope that he will take that next step forward, as he faces a team full of hitting talent.
Mar 16, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) throws a pitch against the Yomiuri Giants during the first inning at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Last night saw the bats come alive for both teams, the Diamondbacks are relying on Kelly tonight though to keep the Cubs’ in check. If Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll keep this lineup firing on all cylinders, they can contend with anybody on the scoreboard.
Hopefully the D-Backs can give the fans some fireworks on the field tonight before the first postgame show after the season. It would definitely help forget about the disappointing Opening Night. Bet MGM has the Arizona Diamondbacks currently favorites for tonights matchup, sitting at -143 on the moneyline.
Arizona Diamondbacks Corbin Carroll (7) slides safely back into first base past Chicago Cubs Gage Workman (25) during their Opening Day game at Chase Field in Phoenix on March 27, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Brutal defensive miscues hurt Arizona Diamondbacks to begin 2025 season
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
