CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks faced a challenging day at Wrigley Field on Sunday, April 20, 2025, as their game was interrupted multiple times due to inclement weather. Scheduled to start at 1:20 p.m. local time, the game finally began after a 39-minute delay, only to be halted again in the bottom of the first inning when umpires called for the tarp due to lightning in the area.
The matchup marked the finale of a three-game series, with the Cubs having already secured victories in the first two games, triumphing 13-11 on Friday and 6-2 on Saturday. The Cubs, currently holding a 14-9 record this season, were looking to make a statement against the Diamondbacks, who they had previously split a series with in Phoenix earlier this month.
As the game finally resumed after the second delay, the Cubs managed to grab an early lead. With one out in the bottom of the first, Ian Happ singled and Kyle Tucker drew a walk off Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly. Following this, Michael Busch drove in Happ with a single, giving the Cubs a 1-0 advantage.
Speaking of the Cubs' success, catcher Carson Kelly has been a standout performer this season. Entering Sunday’s game, Kelly was batting an impressive .419 with six home runs and 18 RBIs. His resurgence is particularly notable given his history as a former St. Louis Cardinal. Kelly attributed his recent success to offseason adjustments inspired by studying Barry Bonds' hitting techniques. “He was focusing more on being on his back hip. What happens when you do that? You’re going to get more power,” Kelly said in an interview. “What’s working for him now is getting into his back side … That’s because he was watching a lot of Barry Bonds videos.”
On the mound for the Diamondbacks, Merrill Kelly entered the game with a record of 3-1 and a 5.57 ERA. He had recently shown improvement, allowing just one run in his last outing against the Miami Marlins, where he struck out nine batters. However, Kelly's four-seam fastball has been vulnerable this season, with opponents hitting .296 against it. In seven career starts against the Cubs, Kelly has maintained a 3.49 ERA.
For the Cubs, Jameson Taillon was tasked with starting duties. Taillon, who has had a rocky start to the season, was looking to bounce back after allowing six runs in his first outing against the Diamondbacks. He had shown signs of improvement in his last three games, posting a 3.63 ERA over 17 1/3 innings and achieving a whiff rate of 44.1% on his sweeper pitch.
Before the game, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo made the decision to give third baseman Eugenio Suarez his first day off this season. Despite Suarez's strong career numbers against Taillon, including two home runs in a previous matchup, Lovullo felt it was important to rest him. “I felt like Geno needed a day off,” Lovullo explained. “I’m trying to balance that out the best that I can. I know what the conditions are, what the matchup looked like, but I’ve got to, every once in a while, get people off their feet and give them a blow.” Lovullo aimed to combine this day off with the team’s scheduled off day on April 21 to allow Suarez to recharge fully.
As the game continued, fans at Wrigley Field were treated to a mix of excitement and frustration, with the weather playing a significant role in the day’s events. The forecast had predicted scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon, with rain expected to persist into the early evening. The Cubs announced that they anticipated resuming play around 3:10 p.m. CT, but the ongoing weather challenges kept fans on edge.
This matchup was particularly significant as it marked the last time the Cubs and Diamondbacks would face each other this season, adding an extra layer of urgency to the game. The Cubs had already captured the season series against the Diamondbacks, winning the first two games in Chicago after splitting the first four games played in Phoenix.
In their thrilling 13-11 victory on Friday, the teams combined for a staggering 16 runs in the eighth inning alone, setting a single-inning record for runs scored at Wrigley Field, which has been home to the Cubs since 1914. The following day, the Cubs followed up their dramatic win with a solid 6-2 performance, bolstered by back-to-back home runs from Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch, along with a strong showing from their bullpen.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that both teams were eager to capitalize on the opportunity to play, despite the weather-related interruptions. The Cubs, looking to maintain their momentum, were determined to secure a sweep against the Diamondbacks. Fans remained hopeful that the rain would subside and allow for a full game, with the excitement of the season hanging in the balance.
With the action at Wrigley Field ongoing and the weather still a concern, players and fans alike braced for what the rest of the game would bring. Will the Cubs continue their winning streak against the Diamondbacks, or will the weather prove to be too much of a hindrance? Only time will tell as both teams strive for victory in this pivotal matchup.
