Cubs, D-backs set for finale after playing pair of extra-inning games
Deadspin -

After the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs needed extra innings to settle the first two games of their series, both bullpens could use a break in the rubber match on Wednesday afternoon in Phoenix. The Cubs used seven pitchers and the Diamondbacks six in Arizona's back-and-forth, 12-11 victory in 10 innings on Tuesday night. Chicago won the series opener 3-2 in 11 innings on Monday. The Cubs plan to send left-hander Jordan Wicks (0-2, 5.68 ERA) to the mound for the series finale. Wicks...

In related news

  • Sheffield Steelers face injury set-back before today's Play-Off final

    Their semi-final win at Nottingham on Saturday afternoon was far from plain sailing, though. They suddenly have serious injury issues in their forward lines. Marco Vallerand was stretchered off after colliding with the rink boards, and Brett Neumann was also hurt in the semi. Neither will be available for the culmination of Sheffield’s attempts to win the Grand Slam. Sheffield were already without Mark Simpson, too, and he remains a doubt to return, while skipper Robert Dowd is playing through...

  • D-backs win slugfest vs. Cubs, 12-11 in 10 innings

    Pinch hitter Randal Grichuk delivered a walk-off double in the 10th inning to give the Arizona Diamondbacks a 12-11 win against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night in Phoenix. Arizona's Ketel Marte had four hits, including a game-tying home run with two outs in the ninth, and scored three runs. Blaze Alexander had two hits and three RBIs and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Joc Pederson each homered and drove in two runs for the Diamondbacks, who lost the opener of the three-game series 3-2 in 11 innings...

  • Sunak set for final game of Rwanda ping pong

    Parliament’s return from recess this week means the Rwanda Bill is now back in the Commons for the final game…What to read next: Rishi Sunak loses another minister | Sunak ‘appalled’ by British deaths in Israeli strike | Cameron prefers charm to offensive in Blinken love-in | Where will the Westminster honeytrap scandal go next?