The Dbacks Dispatch Podcast reviews the split series and what the key takeaways were from the opening series!
Part 1
Part 2
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ four-game series against the Chicago Cubs was a tale of resilience, missed opportunities, and big performances. After dropping the opening game, Arizona bounced back with a series of impressive victories, demonstrating both their offensive and pitching strengths. Meanwhile, the Cubs had their moments of brilliance but ultimately struggled with consistency, particularly in their bullpen, which proved to be their Achilles’ heel.
Game 1: Missed Chances and Cubs’ Early Advantage
The series kicked off with the Cubs coming out on top in a 10-6 victory that showcased Arizona’s struggles to capitalize on early opportunities. Zac Gallen struggled to find the strike zone. The Diamondbacks were unable to make the most of their chances with runners in scoring position, a problem that would haunt them throughout the game. Despite offensive contributions from the likes of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Eugenio Suárez, the Diamondbacks couldn’t execute in critical moments. The Cubs, on the other hand, pounced on Arizona’s mistakes, capitalizing on timely hits and solid bullpen work to maintain their lead and take the opener. Arizona’s bullpen was another weak point, allowing Chicago to extend its advantage late in the game, which turned out to be the difference.
Game 2: Diamondbacks’ Bounce-Back Victory
In the second game, Arizona demonstrated their resilience, bouncing back with a commanding 8-1 win. The key to their success was a stellar pitching performance from Merrill Kelly, who allowed just one run over 5.1 innings. His ability to control the pace of the game gave the Diamondbacks a solid foundation, allowing the offense to get comfortable and put runs on the board. The Diamondbacks’ pitching staff was in control, and the offense executed well when it mattered. It was a complete game that highlighted the strengths of Arizona’s rotation and their ability to recover after a loss.
Game 3: A Baserunning Blunder and Disappointing Loss
The third game of the series showcased the Diamondbacks’ newly extended starter Bradon Pfaadt in what would end up being a heartbreaking 3-4 loss. Brandon Pfaadt delivered a solid start, but the offense struggled to get the bats humming with Cubs’ Shota Imanaga on the mound. The game ended in tragedy with Garrett Hampson playing the base path a little too aggressively and getting caught in the act to end the game.
Game 4: A Dramatic Comeback and Offensive Explosion
The final game of the series was a wild ride, as the Diamondbacks staged a late-game rally to secure a thrilling 10-6 victory. Trailing 6-2 entering the eighth inning, Arizona capitalized on the Cubs’ bullpen struggles, scoring eight runs in the final two frames to take the game and the series. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. came up big once again, hitting a two-run homer to tie the game in the eighth inning. Josh Naylor’s go-ahead double was a turning point, giving the Diamondbacks the lead and providing them with the momentum they needed. The late-inning surge showed the Diamondbacks’ ability to capitalize on mistakes and put together a game-changing rally when it mattered most. In contrast, the Cubs’ bullpen faltered under pressure, unable to close out the game, which was a major storyline throughout the series.
Eugenio Suárez: A Bat on Fire
Amid the Diamondbacks’ series victory, one player who has consistently stood out is Eugenio Suárez, whose power surge has been a key story early in the season. Suárez has been absolutely on fire at the plate, hitting home runs with alarming regularity. His ability to provide pop in the middle of the lineup has been a huge boost for Arizona’s offense, particularly in clutch moments. Suárez has already begun to build a reputation for being a game-changer, and this series was no different. His home run in Game 1 was one of the few bright spots for Arizona in a tough loss, and his overall approach at the plate has been electric. His bat has provided the necessary thump that the Diamondbacks need, and his hot streak has the potential to carry them through more difficult matchups as the season progresses.
The Diamondbacks’ lineup has relied on his power as a stabilizing force, and with Suárez showing no signs of slowing down, the D-backs can feel confident that they have a legitimate power threat in their midst. His consistency and ability to hit home runs, particularly in key situations, will be a focal point for Arizona’s offense moving forward.
Strengths and Weaknesses for Arizona
Throughout the series, Arizona’s starting rotation remained one of the team’s biggest strengths. Merrill Kelly and others in the rotation demonstrated poise and effectiveness, particularly when the team needed it most. Arizona’s ability to control the game early and set the tempo in Game 3 were key takeaways, and the team’s pitching depth continues to be one of the most promising aspects of the squad. Though they were solid in Game 3, Arizona’s relievers allowed the Cubs to pull ahead in Game 1 and struggled at times during the series. Improving late-game execution will be crucial if the Diamondbacks are to contend in the National League.
Offensively, the Diamondbacks had their share of key contributors. Players like Corbin Carroll and Alek Thomas stepped up with timely hits, while Gurriel’s clutch moments were pivotal. Suárez, however, was the real standout, his hot bat giving the offense a new level of potency. His two-run homer in Game 4 was the highlight of the series, illustrating his ability to come through in high-pressure situations. The Diamondbacks showed they can generate offense in big moments, particularly when games are on the line.
On the other hand, the Cubs’ bullpen proved to be a weakness. In Games 2 and 4, Chicago’s relievers struggled to maintain leads, and it was Arizona that capitalized on these mistakes. While the Cubs’ starters, like Justin Steele, pitched effectively, they were ultimately let down by their bullpen. Chicago also struggled with offensive consistency, failing to deliver when it mattered most, particularly in key high-leverage situations.
Final Thoughts
The series served as an early-season indicator for both teams. For the Diamondbacks, there’s optimism that their starting pitching will continue to carry them, and their ability to come through in clutch moments is a positive sign. Arizona’s offense, while still needing some consistency, has shown the potential to explode when necessary. However, the bullpen remains a work in progress, and improving in late-game situations will be essential.
For the Cubs, the series highlighted their potential but also their need to clean up their bullpen issues. While they have plenty of talent, their inability to close out games and maintain offensive momentum in key moments will likely haunt them if they don’t address these issues moving forward.
In the end, Arizona showed the type of resilience that could carry them through a successful season. The Diamondbacks’ ability to bounce back after a loss, particularly in high-pressure situations, bodes well for the future. With a strong rotation and an offense that knows how to capitalize on mistakes, Arizona will look to build on this series and keep improving as the season unfolds.