RECAP: Chicago Cubs fall 5-4 in extras vs D’backs

It was a game that last over five hours, but the Chicago Cubs were unable to hold on late as the Arizona Diamondbacks would win 5-4 on a walk-off single by Nick Ahmed in the bottom half of the 13th.

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Last night’s game featured multiple nail biters, including the bases being loaded for both teams, but neither one were able to capitalize on the opportunity. Skipper Joe Maddon turned to southpaw Jon Lester, who was looking for his fifth consecutive win to stay perfect in the month of May after stumbling out of the gates to begin the year.

Arizona was able to strike first on an RBI single by first baseman Paul Goldschmidt – a man who tied things up in the 10th inning on a two-run shot off closer Hector Rondon. Chicago was able to respond on a solo shot by Dexter Fowler in the third inning, tying things up at one apiece to help keep Lester in the game.

Lester (4-2, 3.56 ERA) picked up a no-decision during this marathon, allowing just two earned runs on five hits including a home run by Ahmed that tied things up at two apiece in the home half of the fifth. The 31-year-old lefty exited after seven innings of work, handing things over to Pedro Strop who worked a shutout inning. 

Both teams would fail to score a run until the Cubs (23-18) plated two in the 10th inning on a pair of RBI by both Kris Bryant and Starlin Castro. Bryant, who had a two-run shot in the series clincher against the Padres, finished the game 1-for-6 with two strikeouts but extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

D’backs (20-21) starting pitcher, Josh Collmenter (3-5, 5.19 ERA) basically had the same outing as his counterpart, holding the Cubs to two earned runs on six hits. Both teams used a combined 15 relievers, so they’ll expect today’s starters to eat up as many innings as they possibly can before warming someone up.

The Cubs had the opportunity to score the go-ahead run prior to Arizona’s walk-off hit as Jorge Soler and Junior Lake put themselves on base with a pair of singles with just one out. Former Diamondback, Miguel Montero, flied out to left field on a ball that looked like it was going to clear the fence.

Pinch-hitter Mike Baxter replaced reliever Travis Wood and ended up drawing a walk to load up the bases with two outs in the inning. Rookie second baseman Addison Russell then grounded out to first baseman Goldschmidt, allowing Randall Delgado to escape the bases-loaded jam.

What Stood Out:

The bullpen looked solid early, but closer Rondon was unable to record the final out of the game, resulting in Chicago’s brief two-game win streak. Maddon’s closer was handed his third blown save of the year, surrendering two earned runs on three hits before exiting the game.

What’s Next:

Tomorrow will feature ace pitcher Jake Arrieta (4-4, 2.77 ERA) and Rubby De La Rosa (4-2, 4.08 ERA) in game two of this weekend series. The Cubs will find themselves in another late game as the first pitch is slated for 9:10 pm central time and will air live on CSN, WBBM 780.

Next: Will The Cubs Trade In July?