Cubs Bitten by Snakes on Easter

The series sweep was on the line as the Chicago Cubs tried to finish off the Arizona Diamondbacks in an Easter afternoon matchup at Wrigley Field. Pitching on both sides was noteworthy. Jameson Taillon and Merrill Kelly matched up in difficult surroundings in what would eventually be a low scoring affair (3-2).

While there was noticeably less action than the previous two games in the series, the Cubs still showed their grit—even if it ended in a loss. If it’s possible to win while losing, then this game may be an example of that.

The Devil’s in the Details

A 39-minute rain delay had stalled the game’s start time.

Kelly was having a slow start after giving up a score with two runners on base, but there was another rain delay that lasted 59 minutes. A momentum shift decided to piggyback its way onto the storm cells. Merrill settled in and lasted 5 and 2/3 innings before getting a leg cramp.

As for the Cubs, Taillon pitched for 5 and 1/3 innings before getting pulled.

Following suit, both teams’ rotations pitched well. The game was 1-1 when it went into extra innings.

The Redemption That Almost Was

To start off the 10th inning, there was a little bouncer fielded by Jordan Wicks that was poorly thrown to first, Nico Hoerner got charged with the error instead. It also allowed the runner at third to score and the D-backs to go ahead 2-1.

But with runners in scoring position and a rocket shot towards shallow right, Nico leaped instinctually and snatched the ball out of the air before it ruined the day for everybody.

When he was next up to bat, he drove in an RBI to tie it—fully redeeming his error. Though the Gold Glove talliers likely won’t see it that way. Hoerner then stole second base easily, but Pete Crow-Armstrong bunted foul, and he had to go back. Eventually PCA hit a lazy ground ball up the middle and Hoerner looked to be safe on the slide. But there was a pivotal challenge by the Cubs, and he was ruled out.