PHOENIX — In a high-scoring affair, the Chicago Cubs triumphed over the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 10-6 victory on Thursday night, highlighted by Miguel Amaya’s impressive performance, including two doubles and five RBIs. Ian Happ also contributed significantly with a home run, a double, and three RBIs.
A pivotal moment came in the fifth inning when Amaya’s bases-loaded double skimmed off the glove of Jake McCarthy, who made a diving attempt in center field. This hit brought Michael Busch, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and rookie Matt Shaw across the plate, pushing the Cubs to a 7-3 advantage.
Amaya further extended Chicago’s lead in the ninth with a two-run double down the left field line, securing a 10-5 scoreline. Ian Happ played a key role with a two-run double in the second inning, giving the Cubs a 2-1 lead, followed by a solo home run in the fourth inning. Pitcher Justin Steele (1-1) managed to hold the Diamondbacks to three runs in five innings, striking out two and walking one.
For the Diamondbacks, Zac Gallen (0-1) struggled on the mound, conceding four runs over four innings and recording 83 pitches. While he struck out four, his control waned with four walks. Eugenio Suárez hit a solo home run, and Josh Naylor, who joined the team from an offseason trade with the Guardians, added an RBI single in the first inning for a brief 1-0 lead.
Arizona managed to close the gap to 8-5 in the sixth through sacrifice flies by McCarthy and Geraldo Perdomo. However, Amaya’s ninth-inning double put the game securely in favor of the Cubs.
This victory marked the Cubs’ first win of the season, following two opening defeats to the Los Angeles Dodgers in games played in Tokyo on March 18 and 19.
A notable moment in the game was Crow-Armstrong’s hustle from first to second base with two outs in the fifth inning, successfully beating out Perdomo’s throw, which maintained the inning and set the stage for Amaya’s crucial three-run double.
The Cubs demonstrated their efficiency with runners in scoring positions, going 5 for 12 at the plate in such situations.
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks will feature RHP Merrill Kelly on the mound for Friday night’s game, whereas the Cubs will field RHP Jameson Taillon.