Kyle Tucker’s Heroics Cap Off Epic Victory

Kyle Tucker capped off one of the wildest games in recent Cubs history with what would end up being the final dagger into the Diamondbacks’ hearts. In the bottom of the 8th, he launched a two-run blast into the right field bleachers giving the Cubs a 12-11 lead. Right when the Cubs needed a miracle, the superstar delivered.

Colin Rea made his second start of the season on Friday, going up against one of the hottest offenses in baseball, also known as the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was able to go 4.2 innings, only allowing one run on 69 pitches. He struck out five, not allowing any walks.

Reports before the first pitch had the wind gusts exceeding 30 miles per hour, blowing straight out to center. Wrigley Field is one of the best ballparks in baseball, and one of the reasons is how unpredictable the weather is. It’s not uncommon to see the wind blowing in, causing most deep fly balls to die on the warning track. Friday was a different story, with seven home runs being hit at the Federal Landmark.

After the bullpen blew a 6-run lead, Carson Kelly crushed his second home run of the day to bring the Cubs back within one run. After Happ singled, Tucker showed why he’s one of the best hitters the Cubs have had in a very long time.

KING IN THE NORTH! KING IN THE NORTH! KING IN THE NORTH! pic.twitter.com/tuSE7joL0I

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 18, 2025

Tucker has now hit six home runs in the young season, with 21 runs batted in. He’s cemented himself as a cornerstone of the Cubs’ lineup, and is already in MVP conversations.

Now, if only the Cubs would extend the man.