Eduardo Rodriguez’s dominant start and Jordan Lawlar’s home run powered the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 2-0 win over the Chicago Cubs in the series finale in Phoenix.
The Arizona Diamondbacks edged the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Wednesday night at Chase Field, as Eduardo Rodriguez struck out nine over seven shutout innings and Jordan Lawlar homered to secure the series split. The Cubs managed just zero runs and were shut out for the second time in three games, dropping to 76-58 on the season.
Diamondbacks’ Pitching and Power
Eduardo Rodriguez was the story for Arizona, delivering a masterful performance. The left-hander allowed no runs and struck out nine batters across seven innings, keeping the Cubs’ offense off balance all night. Jordan Lawlar provided the offensive support with a solo home run, giving the Diamondbacks all the runs they would need. The win improved Arizona’s record to 71-63 and marked their second consecutive victory over Chicago, following Tuesday’s dramatic comeback.
Cubs’ Offensive Struggles
The Cubs’ bats went quiet in Phoenix, managing zero runs for the second time in three games. Chicago’s lineup could not solve Rodriguez or the Diamondbacks’ bullpen, and the team’s frustration boiled over when umpires missed a pivotal balk call, a moment that left outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong visibly irate. The Cubs, who entered the game with a 76-57 record, left Arizona with a sour taste after splitting the two-game set.
Turning Point
The game’s decisive moment came in the early innings when Jordan Lawlar’s home run gave the Diamondbacks a lead they would never relinquish. With Rodriguez dealing on the mound, the Cubs’ offense faced mounting pressure, and the missed balk call in the later innings only added to their woes. Arizona’s bullpen preserved the shutout, sealing the win and the series split.
What It Means
For the Diamondbacks, the win keeps them in the thick of the NL Wild Card race as they sit third in the NL West. They now travel to San Francisco to face the Giants on Thursday, looking to build on this momentum. The Cubs, second in the NL Central, return home to Wrigley Field to host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. Chicago will aim to snap a two-game losing streak and maintain their position in the division race, while also dealing with a growing injury list that includes Ben Brown’s setback.
- Eduardo Rodriguez struck out nine in seven scoreless innings for Arizona.
- Jordan Lawlar homered to provide the game’s only offensive output.
- The Cubs were shut out for the second time in three games.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs were upset over a missed balk call.
- Ben Brown suffered a setback in his rehab from a neck injury.
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