D-backs Split Opening Series with Cubs After Wild Comeback Finale

The Arizona Diamondbacks opened the 2025 season with a four-game showdown against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field, and the series had a little bit of everything—explosive offense, dominant pitching, and a thrilling come-from-behind victory that left D-backs fans buzzing.

After dropping the opener and splitting the next two games, the D-backs staged an eight-run rally in the eighth inning of Game 4 to secure a series split. Here's a game-by-game breakdown of the action, with plenty of highlights and storylines for D-backs fans to get excited about.

Game 1: Thursday, March 27, 2025

Cubs 10, Diamondbacks 6

Opening Day at Chase Field began with high hopes but quickly turned into a disappointment as the Cubs jumped on Zac Gallen and spoiled the home opener with a 10-6 victory. Gallen, the D-backs’ ace, didn’t look like himself, struggling with his command and lasting just 4 2/3 innings. He surrendered six runs on four hits and four walks while striking out only three.

The Cubs capitalized on Gallen’s struggles and some shaky D-backs defense. Miguel Amaya did most of the damage with a three-run double in the fourth inning, followed by an Ian Happ home run and a two-run double that gave Chicago an insurmountable lead.

Arizona’s offense tried to mount a late comeback, with Josh Naylor driving in two runs in the seventh and Eugenio Suárez adding an RBI single. But despite the effort, the D-backs couldn’t overcome the deficit. It was a rough start to the season, but brighter days were on the horizon.

Game 2: Friday, March 28, 2025

Diamondbacks 8, Cubs 1

The D-backs came roaring back in Game 2, thanks in large part to a two-homer performance from Eugenio Suárez. The veteran third baseman was locked in at the plate, launching two towering home runs—both two-run shots—that fueled Arizona’s 8-1 victory. Suárez drove in four of the team’s eight runs and looked every bit like the middle-of-the-order threat Arizona hoped for.

On the mound, Merrill Kelly delivered a masterclass. Kelly tossed 5 1/3 innings of one-run baseball, allowing just three hits while striking out six. His command was sharp, and he kept Cubs hitters off balance all night.

Pavin Smith and Gabriel Moreno contributed to the offensive onslaught, with Smith collecting three hits and Moreno adding two of his own. The D-backs’ 15-hit barrage left no doubt about their offensive potential. It was the perfect bounce-back win, and the Chase Field crowd let the Cubs know it.

Game 3: Saturday, March 29, 2025

Cubs 4, Diamondbacks 3

Game 3 was a heartbreaker. The D-backs fought hard but fell just short in a 4-3 loss that came down to a baserunning miscue.

Arizona struck first in the second inning after Alek Thomas singled and came around to score on a groundout by Jake McCarthy. But the Cubs answered in the fourth when Miguel Amaya tied things up with an RBI double.

The pivotal moment came in the fifth when Kyle Tucker launched a two-run homer off Brandon Pfaadt, giving the Cubs a 3-1 lead. Pfaadt pitched well for most of his six-inning outing but was burned by that one mistake. He allowed three runs on six hits and struck out five.

Rookie Matt Shaw extended the Cubs’ lead with a pinch-hit solo homer in the seventh, putting Arizona in a 4-1 hole.

The D-backs made things interesting in the ninth. Eugenio Suárez continued his power surge, crushing a two-run homer off Cubs closer Ryan Pressly to cut the deficit to 4-3. Arizona then put runners on first and second with two outs, but Corbin Carroll’s slow roller to short resulted in a chaotic play. Pinch-runner Garrett Hampson overran third base and was tagged out by Dansby Swanson, ending the game and killing the comeback.

Game 4: Sunday, March 30, 2025

Diamondbacks 10, Cubs 6

What a finish! The D-backs closed out the series with an epic 10-6 comeback win fueled by an incredible eight-run eighth inning that had Chase Field rocking. Trailing 6-2 heading into the bottom of the eighth, it looked like the Cubs were about to steal the series. But Arizona had other plans.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. ignited the rally with a game-tying two-run homer that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Moments later, Josh Naylor doubled to give Arizona the lead, and the floodgates opened. Gabriel Moreno followed with a single, and in one of the most memorable moments of the series, Ryne Nelson—a pitcher forced to pinch-hit due to a depleted bench—lined an RBI single through the infield. It was his first career hit and RBI, sending the crowd into hysterics.

Geraldo Perdomo capped the inning with another RBI single, giving the D-backs a commanding 10-6 lead.

Justin Martinez earned the win after a scoreless eighth inning, while A.J. Puk slammed the door in the ninth. The Cubs’ bullpen unraveled, walking three batters and giving up six hits in the disastrous eighth inning.

This game was a perfect example of the D-backs’ never-say-die attitude. They refused to quit and delivered a statement win that gave them a well-deserved series split.

Series Recap: Encouraging Signs Despite Split

The D-backs may have split the series, but they showed flashes of brilliance that should excite fans for the season ahead. Eugenio Suárez was a force of nature, launching three home runs and driving in key runs throughout the series. Josh Naylor and Gabriel Moreno provided consistent offense, while Merrill Kelly delivered a strong start to keep the rotation on track.

On the flip side, Zac Gallen will need to rebound after a rough Opening Day, and D-backs fans get to see Corbin Burnes in an Diamondbacks uniform for the first time. The defense needs to clean up some costly miscues and be more sound to secure wins going forward, but the resilience the team showed in Game 4 is a testament to the fight and heart of this squad.

With momentum on their side, the D-backs now head to New York for a three-game series against the Yankees. If they can carry the energy from their comeback win into the Bronx, D-backs fans might be in for a treat.

Bring on the Yankees! 🐍💎