Diamondbacks rally for eight runs in the eighth to stun Cubs, split series
PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Diamondbacks delivered a thrilling comeback on Sunday, storming back from a four-run deficit in the eighth inning to defeat the Chicago Cubs 10-6 and earn a series split.
Trailing 6-2 in the eighth, the D-backs sent 12 batters to the plate in an offensive explosion. The rally kicked off with back-to-back walks from Alek Thomas and Corbin Carroll. Geraldo Perdomo then ripped a two-run double to cut the deficit in half before Lourdes Gurriel Jr. launched a game-tying, two-run home run into the left field seats, sending Chase Field into a frenzy.
The momentum kept rolling as Gabriel Moreno singled, followed by Josh Naylor's go-ahead RBI double that put Arizona ahead 7-6.
With the bench emptied, pitcher Ryne Nelson was forced to pinch-hit but shocked everyone with an RBI single through a drawn-in infield, pushing the lead to 8-6. Thomas added an RBI single, and Carroll's double capped off the eight-run frame.
"That was one of the most electric innings I've ever been a part of," Gurriel said postgame. "Everyone just kept stepping up."
The Cubs had taken a 6-2 lead in the top of the eighth when Kyle Tucker crushed a three-run homer. Chicago's Seiya Suzuki also went deep earlier in the game, but the D-backs' late offensive outburst overshadowed those efforts.
Eduardo Rodriguez made his Diamondbacks debut, allowing three runs over five innings while striking out five. Justin Martinez (1-0) earned the win with a scoreless eighth inning. Eli Morgan (0-1) took the loss for the Cubs.
While Gurriel’s homer turned the tide, Nelson's RBI single, his first career plate appearance, hit, and RBI, was the biggest surprise of the night, giving Arizona some much-needed breathing room.
The D-backs now head to New York for a three-game set against the Yankees, with newly acquired ace Corbin Burnes set to make his first start in an Arizona uniform. The Cubs travel to Sacramento to face the A's.
Arizona fans will be hoping this eighth-inning magic carries over as the D-backs look to build on this thrilling victory.
