7 Shocking Takeaways From The Chicago Cubs Vs. Arizona Diamondbacks 2025 Season Series
The 2025 MLB season series between the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks was a high-octane, chaotic affair that quickly became one of the most talked-about inter-division matchups of the year. Far from a typical mid-season slog, this seven-game battle—split between Chase Field in Phoenix and the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago—was defined by dramatic comebacks, offensive explosions, and late-inning heroics. The final 4-3 series win for the Cubs barely tells the story of the sheer intensity and surprising volatility that characterized these meetings, providing crucial insights into both teams' postseason potential as of this current date in December 2025.
The Cubs, pushing hard in the competitive NL Central, needed every win against the NL West contenders. The Diamondbacks, anchored by their young superstar, showed resilience but also exposed some late-game vulnerabilities. Analyzing the seven games reveals key strengths and fatal flaws for both clubs as they look ahead to the next chapter of this budding rivalry.
The 2025 Season Series: A Game-by-Game Breakdown
The 2025 season saw the two National League contenders clash in two separate series, setting a tone of unpredictability right from the start. The results highlighted a significant power struggle, with neither team able to establish true dominance.
- Game 1 (March 28, 2025, Chase Field): Diamondbacks win, 8-1. Arizona starts the season strong with a dominant pitching performance.
- Game 2 (March 29, 2025, Chase Field): Diamondbacks win, 4-3. A tight, low-scoring contest that showcased the D-backs' bullpen depth.
- Game 3 (March 30, 2025, Chase Field): Cubs win, 10-6. Chicago's offense explodes to avoid the sweep, powered by key home runs.
- Game 4 (April 18, 2025, Wrigley Field): Cubs win, 13-11. The wildest game of the series, a chaotic slugfest that tested both bullpens.
- Game 5 (April 19, 2025, Wrigley Field): Cubs win, 6-2. A more controlled victory for Chicago, utilizing strong starting pitching.
- Game 6 (April 20, 2025, Wrigley Field): Diamondbacks win, 3-2. A pitching duel where the D-backs scratch out a narrow victory.
- Game 7 (Date Varies, Final Series): Cubs win, securing the 4-3 season series victory. The final series was split 2-2 in Phoenix and 2-1 in Chicago, giving the Cubs the overall edge.
The Five Most Shocking Takeaways from the Cubs-D-backs Clash
The 4-3 series final score masks a deeper, more volatile narrative. These were the moments and trends that truly defined the 2025 meetings.
1. The 13-11 Wrigley Field Slugfest Was an Instant Classic
The April 18 game at Wrigley Field was less a baseball game and more a demolition derby. The Cubs' 13-11 victory was a nightmare for both pitching staffs but a dream for offensive analysts. The final box score read like an All-Star game, with multiple lead changes and zero command from the mound. This game highlighted a major concern for both sides: the ability of their bullpens to lock down a late-game lead. For the Cubs, the win proved their lineup—featuring Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Michael Busch—can out-slug any opponent. For the Diamondbacks, it was a painful reminder that even a high-powered offense led by Corbin Carroll can be undone by a lack of late-inning relief.
2. Arizona’s Historic 8-Run Eighth-Inning Comeback
One of the most dramatic moments of the entire 2025 season occurred when the Diamondbacks engineered an incredible comeback. In a game where they were on the brink of losing a four-game series, the D-backs exploded for an astonishing eight runs in the eighth inning to rally and ultimately split the series. This monumental effort, likely fueled by the veteran leadership and Manager Torey Lovullo's aggressive style, demonstrated the team's relentless fighting spirit. It was a crushing blow to the Cubs' late-inning pitching staff and a clear sign that no lead is safe against Arizona's dynamic lineup.
3. The Unexpected Power Surge of Michael Busch
Cubs first baseman Michael Busch emerged as a consistent threat throughout the series, continuing his strong 2025 campaign. His ability to hit for power and get on base provided crucial depth to the Cubs' order, taking pressure off stars like Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson. His performance against the D-backs' pitching—especially in the high-scoring contests—solidified his status as a key offensive entity for Chicago and an LSI keyword for any discussion about the Cubs' 2025 success. The D-backs struggled to contain the left-handed slugger, a vulnerability that opposing teams will surely exploit.
4. Corbin Carroll's Star Power vs. The Cubs' Defense
The series was a showcase for Diamondbacks superstar Corbin Carroll, who continued to electrify with his speed and bat. While Carroll was a constant threat, the Cubs' elite middle infield duo of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner managed to limit his impact on the base paths and in the field with stellar defense. The battle between Carroll's aggressive running game and the Cubs' defensive prowess became a fascinating subplot, demonstrating that while the D-backs have a generational talent, the Cubs possess the defensive structure to mitigate that threat better than most.
5. Pitching Volatility: The Wild Card in the Playoff Race
The 2025 series results clearly indicate that both teams possess high-ceiling offenses and highly questionable pitching depth. The Cubs' rotation, featuring pitchers like Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon, showed flashes of brilliance but often left the bullpen in precarious positions. Similarly, the Diamondbacks' staff struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in high-leverage situations. The seven games averaged over 10 runs per contest, a stunning figure that suggests whichever team can stabilize its relief corps will have the decisive edge if they meet again in the NL Wild Card Series or later in the postseason.
The Final Verdict: What the 4-3 Cubs Win Means
The Chicago Cubs' narrow 4-3 series victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks is more than just a tiebreaker; it’s a psychological edge. It confirms the Cubs' status as a resilient team capable of winning games in multiple ways, whether through a pitching gem or a 13-run offensive explosion. The key to their success was their ability to win two of the three games at Wrigley Field, protecting their home turf.
For the Diamondbacks, the series proved their offense is legitimate, capable of historic comebacks and sustained pressure, but it also exposed a critical need for bullpen reinforcement. Manager Torey Lovullo will need to address the late-inning struggles if Arizona hopes to secure a spot in the NL West race or a viable NL Wild Card position. The two teams are fundamentally evenly matched, but the Cubs demonstrated a slightly better ability to execute in the highest-leverage moments of the 2025 season series.
Key Player Entities to Watch Moving Forward:
- Chicago Cubs: Dansby Swanson (Shortstop), Nico Hoerner (Second Base), Michael Busch (First Base), Seiya Suzuki (Outfielder), Shota Imanaga (Starting Pitcher).
- Arizona Diamondbacks: Corbin Carroll (Outfielder), Carson Kelly (Catcher), Torey Lovullo (Manager), Mike Hazen (General Manager).
As the 2025 MLB season progresses, expect this Cubs vs. Diamondbacks rivalry to heat up, especially if both teams find themselves battling for the same NL Wild Card spots. The drama, the high scores, and the comebacks have already set the stage for a potential thrilling postseason rematch.
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