Nico Hoerner made a game-changing move in the ninth inning, scoring the tying run from second base on a wild pitch, then coming through with a crucial single in the 11th to push the Chicago Cubs past the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 on Monday night.
Chicago’s manager, Craig Counsell, praised Hoerner’s baserunning skills, highlighting his impressive play in the ninth inning. Michael Busch also contributed with a homer in the second inning, marking his sixth of the season and extending his streak to five consecutive games with a home run, matching a franchise record.
In the 11th inning, Busch walked, Garrett Cooper singled, and Hoerner followed with a single to right field, driving in the go-ahead run.
Despite loading the bases, the Cubs couldn’t add more runs. Keegan Thompson pitched two scoreless innings for the win.
Arizona struggled offensively, managing only three hits. Corbin Carroll’s RBI single in the eighth briefly gave the Diamondbacks a 2-1 lead, but the Cubs tied it in the ninth inning after Hoerner and Mike Tauchman singled, followed by a wild pitch from Kevin Ginkel that allowed Hoerner to score.
Ginkel took responsibility for the wild pitch and the hits that led to it, acknowledging his role in the turn of events.
