Cubs Outslug Diamondbacks in Wrigley Field Slugfest: 16-Run Inning Sets Record
CHICAGO — A Wrigley Field crowd of 39,109 witnessed a high-scoring affair as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 13-11 in the first game of their series Monday. The game featured a combined 33 hits and a record-breaking 16 runs scored in the eighth inning alone.
Eighth-Inning Eruption Fuels Offensive Explosion
The Cubs and Diamondbacks traded blows in a wild eighth inning that saw five home runs, including a grand slam by Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. also homered for the Diamondbacks, while kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki went deep for the Cubs. Carson Kelly hit two home runs in the game, one of them in the eighth.
Happ’s Grand Slam Sparks Cubs’ Comeback
Cubs outfielder Ian Happ contributed a grand slam of his own in the seventh inning off Arizona’s Ryne Nelson, helping to ignite the Cubs’ comeback.
Bullpens Falters After Solid Starting Pitching
The game started as a pitching duel, with Arizona’s Corbin Burnes and chicago’s Colin Rea allowing only two and one earned runs, respectively. However,the bullpens quickly unraveled,with relievers from both teams struggling to contain the potent offenses. Jordan Wicks, Porter Hodge, Ryne Nelson, Bryce jarvis, and Joe Mantiply surrendered a combined 20 runs.
Record-Breaking Inning at Wrigley Field
the 16 runs scored in the eighth inning set a new Wrigley Field record, surpassing the previous mark of 15 set in 1922. It was also the first inning of at least 16 runs in the Majors as 2016. The two teams combined for 21 runs in the seventh and eighth innings, tying a Cubs record dating back to 1893.
Cubs Maintain NL Central Lead
The win allows the Cubs to maintain sole possession of first place in the National League Central division. The Diamondbacks, despite a 12-9 record, remain in fourth place in the competitive NL West.
Looking Ahead: Gallen vs. Brown
The two teams will face off again today, with Arizona’s Zac Gallen scheduled to pitch against Chicago’s ben Brown. Both starters will be hoping for a less eventful game after monday’s offensive fireworks.
Around the League
- Zack Wheeler recorded 13 strikeouts yesterday.
- The Blue Jays defeated the Mariners 3-1.
- Liam Hendriks is nearing a return to the mound.
- Jazz Chisholm jr. is appealing his one-game suspension.
- Shohei Ohtani is expecting a child.
