Sewald quickly recovered, retiring the next two batters. “Hopefully, we can carry that into tomorrow,” Cubs manager David Ross said. The Diamondbacks then brought in closer Paul Sewald, who immediately gave up a no-doubt solo homer to Christopher Morel. The Cubs trailed 6-0 heading to the ninth before Ian Happ hit a solo homer and Seiya Suzuki added a two-run shot off reliever Kyle Nelson. “Even though it was early, it made a statement for me.

“We talk about stepping up in the most critical parts of the game, in the inning, and having the right at-bat,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. Gurriel's homer to deep left in the first gave Arizona an early 3-0 lead. Arizona moved into a tie with the Cincinnati Reds for the final spot, while the Cubs are in the second position, 1 1/2 games in front of the D-backs and Reds. The two clubs are in the middle of a six-team dogfight for three National League wild-card spots. “Pretty sweet feeling, being able to help the team and increase the lead,” Thomas said. Steele (16-4) is one of the leaders in the National League Cy Young race. 121 against lefties, but connected in the sixth inning off Cubs ace Justin Steele, delivering a two-out homer that just cleared the right-field wall and pushed the Diamondbacks ahead 6-0. and Thomas both hit three-run homers, rookie Brandon Pfaadt delivered 5 1/3 quality innings and Arizona beat the Chicago Cubs 6-4 on Friday night. It was another indication that these young Arizona Diamondbacks are growing up fast, getting better by the game in a pressure-packed September playoff chase.

PHOENIX - Left-handed batter Alek Thomas took a confident swing at a slider and hit a crucial three-run homer off one of baseball's top left-handed pitchers. Gurriel, Thomas hit 3-run homers, D-backs beat Cubs 6-4 in showdown of NL wild-card contenders

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