Rookie's Two-Run Blast Lifts Diamondbacks Over Cubs in Comeback

Arizona Diamondbacks rookie outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt hit a two-run walk-off home run in the ninth inning to turn a 4-3 deficit into a 5-4 win over the Chicago Cubs. The pinch-hit blast was his second dramatic walk-off of the season and helped Arizona complete a comeback from a 4-0 deficit. The victory strengthened the Diamondbacks' postseason positioning.

Waldschmidt entered as a pinch hitter for Jorge Barrosa with Jose Fernandez standing at second base after Tim Tawa drew a walk. The rookie connected on a 2-1 slider from Cubs reliever Jacob Webb, sending it over the left field wall. The swing mirrored his earlier heroics against Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz, giving him two walk-off homers this season.

Arizona had been shut out through seven innings before scoring three in the eighth to close the gap. Waldschmidt, who prepared in the batting cages starting around the fifth inning, improved his season slash line to .276/.339/.400. With Philadelphia and San Diego both losing Tuesday, the Diamondbacks moved within one game of the final National League Wild Card spot.