Title: Jordan Lawlar Records First Major League Hit as Diamondbacks Lead Cubs
Subtitle: Diamondbacks Open Up Lead on Cubs with Ketel Marte Homer
Subtitle: Diamondbacks’ Bullpen Takes Different Look with Bryce Jarvis Demotion
Subtitle: Thursday’s Diamondbacks-Cubs Pitching Matchup
Subtitle: What to Know About the Chicago Cubs
Subtitle: Diamondbacks Say Goodbye to Veteran Nick Ahmed
CHICAGO – In a critical four-game series at Wrigley Field, the Arizona Diamondbacks got off to a strong start against the Chicago Cubs, one of the teams ahead of them in the wild-card race. Thursday’s opener saw the Diamondbacks take the lead as their top prospect, Jordan Lawlar, recorded his first major league hit.
Lawlar’s milestone came in the fourth inning when he hit a fairly routine grounder to third base. However, Lawlar’s speed allowed him to beat Jeimer Candelario’s throw across the diamond, securing his first hit in the majors. Earlier in the second inning, Lawlar had bounced out to first base to end the inning.
The momentous hit occurred alongside a unique scene at Wrigley Field, as two fans in the left-field bleachers got married, drawing cheers from nearby fans while Cubs’ pitcher Javier Assad worked through the at-bat. Lawlar continued to make an impact on the game by making an impressive sliding backhanded play to rob Nico Hoerner of a leadoff single in the following half-inning.
The Diamondbacks extended their lead on the Cubs with a home run by Ketel Marte in the fourth inning, making it 3-0. Despite the wind blowing in at Wrigley Field, the Diamondbacks’ bats remained potent. Tommy Pham had opened the scoring with a home run in the first inning.
On the pitching front, Diamondbacks’ starter Ryne Nelson displayed encouraging signs, despite giving up some hard contact. Nelson struck out three batters and kept the Cubs at bay, with two flyballs dying at the warning track. Nelson’s ability to rack up strikeouts had been a challenge for him this season.
In the midst of the series opener, the Diamondbacks made some roster moves, optioning reliever Bryce Jarvis to Triple-A and claiming catcher Seby Zavala from the White Sox. The addition of Zavala is expected to provide a defensive upgrade as the team’s backup catcher.
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks will face the Cubs two more times in the series at Wrigley Field. The pitching matchup for Thursday’s game featured Diamondbacks’ RHP Ryne Nelson against Cubs’ RHP Javier Assad. On Friday, Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen is set to face Cubs RHP Jameson Taillon.
As the Cubs continue their push for a wild-card spot, they have been one of the hottest teams in baseball, winning 32 of their past 46 games. Outfielder Cody Bellinger has been their standout hitter this season, and they also boast strong pitching from RHP Adbert Alzolay and Cy Young candidate LHP Justin Steele.
The Diamondbacks bid farewell to veteran Nick Ahmed as his time with the team came to an end. Ahmed’s departure was explained through the designation for assignment process, which allows the team to remove him from the roster.
The outcome of the Diamondbacks-Cubs series will play a crucial role in determining the playoff hopes and positioning for both teams. These matchups will be closely watched by baseball fans as the race for the wild-card spots continues.