D-backs drop second straight in Chicago, struggle to slow Cubs’ bats
CHICAGO (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Diamondbacks couldn't recover from an early Chicago surge Saturday afternoon, falling 6-2 to the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
After a solo home run by Corbin Carroll gave Arizona a brief 1-0 lead in the top of the first, the Cubs responded with six unanswered runs across the first two innings.
Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch delivered back-to-back homers in a four-run second inning, both taking advantage of fastballs from Arizona starter Zac Gallen.
Gallen (1-3) settled in after the early damage, retiring 12 of his final 13 batters. But by then, the damage was done. He allowed seven hits and six earned runs over six innings, and his season earned run average rose to 5.60.
Carroll continued his standout form with three hits on the day, including his seventh home run of the season. He has now reached base in 27 straight games, dating back to last September.
Tim Tawa added a solo shot in the ninth, but Arizona managed just four hits overall and couldn’t crack Chicago’s bullpen.
Caleb Thielbar (1-0) earned the win for the Cubs, retiring all six batters he faced in relief. Chicago's relievers combined to sit down 14 straight Diamondbacks before Tawa's homer.
The loss marks Arizona's second straight defeat following a five-game win streak. They'll try to avoid a sweep Sunday.
Right-hander Merrill Kelly (3-1, 5.57 ERA) takes the mound for the Diamondbacks in the series finale. He'll face Chicago's Jameson Taillon (1-1, 5.40 ERA).
