Ryan Waldschmidt hits game-winning 2-run HR with 2 outs in 9th to send D-backs past Cubs 5-4

In a thrilling game on Tuesday night, the Arizona Diamondbacks pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating the Chicago Cubs 5-4. Pinch-hitter Ryan Waldschmidt proved to be the hero of the night, hitting a game-winning two-run home run with two outs in the ninth inning. Trailing 4-3, the D-backs managed to claw their way back and secure a crucial spot in the NL wild-card race.

The rally began in the ninth inning when Tim Tawa issued a one-out walk to Jacob Webb, starting the decisive comeback. Ildemaro Vargas grounded out to right field, setting the stage for pinch-runner Jose Fernandez to steal second base. Waldschmidt, a rookie, then smashed a no-doubt homer over the left field fence, sparking a raucous celebration among the Diamondbacks' fans. This marked Waldschmidt's second walk-off homer of the season.

Arizona had been struggling in the eighth inning, trailing 4-0. However, they mounted a two-out rally against reliever Daniel Palencia. Gabriel Moreno hit a clutch check swing RBI double that grazed the first base line before Geraldo Perdomo's two-run single narrowed the gap to 4-3. Webb then relieved Palencia, eventually stalling the threat with a ground out from Max Kepler.

Ian Happ had already put the Cubs ahead 3-0 with a three-run homer in the fourth inning. Michael Busch added to the D-backs' lead with an RBI single in the sixth inning, making it 4-0. Both Busch and Seiya Suzuki contributed two hits each. Despite a stellar performance from Clay Holmes, who lasted seven scoreless innings, Arizona's Brandon Pfaadt (7-2) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks, striking out three.

Pfaadt failed to prevent a hit during the first three innings but conceded a single and a double in the fourth before Happ's three-run homer.

The Diamondbacks will now face off against the Cubs, with LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (13-4, 2.61 ERA) set to take the mound against LHP Matthew Boyd (8-2, 4.15).