The Chicago Cubs were on the verge of taking the series thanks to Kyle Tucker’s three-run home run when an eighth-inning bullpen meltdown thwarted those efforts.

The biggest hits of the inning were Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s game-tying two-run home run, followed by Josh Naylor’s double. But no hit was more entertaining and astonishing than pitcher Ryne Nelson’s bouncer up the middle into center field,

At Chase Field on Sunday, the Arizona Diamondbacks (1-2) meet the Chicago Cubs (2-3), with first pitch at 4:10 p.m. ET.The Diamondbacks are a close favorite (-118 moneyline odds to win) when they

One of the stated goals over the offseason for the Cubs was to build up a longer roster of experienced bullpen pieces, putting the staff in a better position to withstand the kind of in-season storm that arrived early on a year ago.

All 10 of the Diamondbacks’ runs came against relievers, after starter Matt Boyd threw five scoreless innings. Nate Pearson was charged with two runs, Caleb Thielbar with two and Eli Morgan with six. Even before Sunday, however, the bullpen had experienced its wobbles.

The D-backs trailed 6-2 in the eighth but sent 12 batters to the plate in a stunning rally. Alek Thomas and Corbin Carroll coaxed back-to-back walks from Caleb Thielbar to start the inning. Eli Morgan (0-1) came on in relief before giving up a string of hits,