In a thrilling showdown on March 27, 2025, the Chicago Cubs clinched their first victory of the season with a commanding 10-6 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix. This exciting matchup showcased standout performances and pivotal moments that defined the game.
Stellar Performances at the Plate
Miguel Amaya emerged as the star of the night for the Cubs, delivering an impressive display with two doubles and five RBIs. His standout moment came in the fifth inning when he hit a bases-loaded double that bounced off the glove of center fielder Jake McCarthy, allowing Michael Busch, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and rookie Matt Shaw to score, expanding Chicago’s lead to 7-3. Amaya capped off his performance with a two-run double in the ninth, solidifying the Cubs’ lead at 10-5. Ian Happ also contributed significantly, going 2-for-5 with a two-run double in the second inning and a solo home run in the fourth. Together, Amaya and Happ helped propel the Cubs to a robust offensive showing, taking advantage of their opportunities and driving in runs when it mattered most.
Pitching Insights
On the mound, Cubs’ lefty Justin Steele made a solid start, allowing three runs over five innings while striking out two. His performance was marked by effective pitching that kept the Diamondbacks at bay until the late innings. In contrast, Arizona’s Zac Gallen struggled, giving up four runs in just four innings, which placed the Diamondbacks in a challenging position.
Diamondbacks’ Offensive Highlights
Despite the loss, the Diamondbacks had some noteworthy moments at the plate. Notably, Eugenio Suárez hit a solo home run, and new acquisition Josh Naylor contributed with an RBI single in the first inning, giving Arizona a brief 1-0 lead. However, the team couldn’t maintain their momentum as the Cubs’ offensive prowess took over.
The Diamondbacks attempted a late comeback with sacrifice flies from McCarthy and Geraldo Perdomo, trimming the Cubs’ lead to 8-5, but it was ultimately not enough to overcome the deficit.
Key Moments from the Game
A turning point in the match occurred when Crow-Armstrong hustled from first to second base on a close play with two outs in the fifth. His effort denied the Diamondbacks a force out that could have ended the inning and directly led to Amaya’s crucial three-run double that shifted the tide in favor of the Cubs.
The Cubs showed their effectiveness in clutch situations, managing to go 5-for-12 with runners in scoring position—an important statistic that reflected their ability to capitalize on opportunities presented throughout the game.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Cubs improved to 1-2 for the season, bouncing back after facing two losses against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo earlier in March. As they prepare for the second game of the series against the Diamondbacks, which will feature RHP Jameson Taillon on the mound, the Cubs will aim to build on their momentum.
For the Diamondbacks, they will look to recover with RHP Merrill Kelly taking the start in hopes of evening the series as they seek their first win of the season.
As the season progresses, both teams will be eager to refine their strategies and adapt, but for now, the Cubs celebrate a well-deserved victory that sets the tone for the rest of their campaign.
