The Arizona Diamondbacks went into extra innings for the very first time in 2025 and emerged victorious over the Chicago Cubs by a score of 3-2. They lost the series but avoided the sweep as they headed back to the Desert with a smile after a wild win at Wrigley Field.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Apr 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Merrill Kelly was on the mound in Sunday’s matchup and looked dialed in all day. He threw 5.2 innings and only gave up one earned run on two hits. Unfortunately, Kelly was visibly uncomfortable as he had right leg cramping and was forced to exit the game after he just retired the last 16 hitters in a row. Jameson Taillon looked steady for the Cubs to match Kelly’s solid outing, as in five innings of work, the Snakes were able to only get off three hits and score one earned run.
Apr 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Josh Naylor (22) hits an RBI-single against the Chicago Cubs during the 11th inning at Wrigley Field. Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
It came down the wire, as we saw Arizona enter a game that featured extra innings for the first time this season. Josh Naylor, who had three hits on the day, grounded a single to right scoring Perdomo for his second RBI. This gave the D-Backs the 3-2 lead and ultimately the victory. Shelby Miller was a force on the mound when the D-Backs needed it as he pitched two scoreless innings. Drey Jameson had a stellar performance as well, shutting the door in the bottom of the 11th for his first save.
In play, run(s) pic.twitter.com/gBqOPBcMVo
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 20, 2025
In a game in which we saw everything from a weather delay, birds on the field, and the first extra innings game of the season, the Snakes came out of the exciting matchup on top, avoiding the sweep. They fly back home as they get ready for a three-game series at Chase Field against the Tampa Bay Rays starting on Tuesday, April 22nd at 6:40 p.m. MST.
Apr 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Members of the Chicago Cubs grounds crew cover the infield with a tarp during the rain delay in the first inning of the baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Arizona Diamondbacks seek to avoid sweep as Cubs eye a clean finish
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
