Chicago Cubs Stun Dodgers in Extras: Late-Inning Heroics Secure 11–10 Walk-Off Win

CHICAGO – April 22, 2025 — In a game that had everything from early offensive explosions to late-inning drama, the Chicago Cubs outlasted the Los Angeles Dodgers 11–10 in 10 innings at Wrigley Field. This electrifying contest gave fans a taste of playoff intensity in the early stages of the regular season, showcasing two National League contenders with no shortage of firepower — and flaws.

The game was defined by multiple comebacks, relentless bats, and a shocking walk-off single from Ian Happ, who capped off a 4-for-5 night by sending the Cubs faithful into a frenzy.

A Wild Start: Cubs Explode for Five in the First

The tone was set early. The Cubs, coming off a tough loss the night before, were aggressive from the jump. Facing Dodgers starter Landon Knack, Chicago plated five runs in the bottom of the first inning. The rally began with a double from Nico Hoerner and continued with RBI hits by Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson. Miguel Amaya, a player growing into a critical role, capped off the inning with a bases-clearing double that instantly put pressure on the Dodgers’ offense.

“We wanted to come out aggressive and punch first,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell. “We knew we were facing a tough team, but we wanted to dictate the pace.”

Dodgers Respond Swiftly

To their credit, the Dodgers wasted no time counterpunching. In the top of the second, Will Smith roped a solo home run into the left-field seats, sparking the beginning of an offensive surge for Los Angeles. The Dodgers would go on to score in five straight innings, with a mix of power and small ball that’s become their offensive signature under manager Dave Roberts.

Tommy Edman provided the biggest swing of the night for L.A., launching a three-run shot in the top of the fourth that tied the game at 6-6. He later added a sacrifice fly in the sixth, giving him four RBIs on the night and showcasing why he’s been one of the Dodgers’ most underrated contributors so far this season.

Edman’s versatility and clutch hitting have been especially valuable with the Dodgers nursing multiple injuries, including the ongoing absence of Shohei Ohtani as he continues his rehab from elbow surgery.

Crow-Armstrong’s Big Night

While Happ had the final word, Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was arguably the most electric player on the field through the first seven innings. He mashed a two-run homer in the fifth, doubled in the third, and added a single in the seventh to finish 3-for-5.

The 23-year-old’s rise has been one of the most encouraging developments in Chicago’s season. Known primarily for his glove, Crow-Armstrong has taken a leap offensively in 2025, hitting over .300 with an improved approach at the plate.

“Pete’s turning into a game-changer,” said Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly. “The bat is catching up to the glove, and that’s scary for opposing teams.”

Ninth-Inning Chaos: Dodgers Collapse, Cubs Capitalize

Leading 10–7 heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers looked poised to escape with a hard-fought win. But the Cubs had other ideas.

Miguel Amaya got things started with a solo homer off Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen, trimming the deficit to two. Then came a series of singles and smart baserunning, with the Cubs capitalizing on a wild pitch and a misplayed ground ball to tie the game at 10–10.

It was a rare meltdown for a Dodgers bullpen that’s been solid overall but has shown cracks in high-leverage moments.

“It’s on me,” said Treinen after the game. “I didn’t execute pitches when I needed to. Against a team like that, it’s going to burn you.”

The Dodgers’ unraveling echoed earlier questions about their bullpen depth — particularly while key arms like Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips remain sidelined.

Extra-Inning Heroics: Happ Plays the Hero

With momentum on their side and the home crowd roaring, the Cubs didn’t waste time in extras. After Vidal Bruján began the 10th as the automatic runner on second base, a sac bunt and intentional walk set the stage for Happ. He delivered, stroking a clean single up the middle to drive in the winning run.

Happ’s performance was vintage — disciplined, clutch, and powerful. His four-hit night included a double, three singles, and two RBIs.

“It felt good to come through in that moment,” Happ said afterward. “We’ve had some tough games where we’ve come up short. To finish this one the right way, it’s a big boost for the locker room.”

Dodgers’ Big Performers Come Up Short Late

For the Dodgers, the offensive highlights were plentiful. Andy Pages added his second home run of the season in the sixth inning. Smith continued his All-Star-level production behind the plate, while Mookie Betts extended his hitting streak to nine games.

But ultimately, the bullpen collapse and late-game miscues overshadowed the individual performances. Manager Dave Roberts remained even-keeled in the postgame, acknowledging the loss while focusing on the big picture.

“We’ve got to be better in those spots,” Roberts said. “That’s a game we should’ve put away. But it’s April. We’ll learn and move forward.”

Injury Watch: Ohtani’s Progress

Shohei Ohtani did not play but was seen participating in light throwing and agility drills before the game. Still on the comeback trail from elbow surgery, Ohtani is targeting a return to hitting full-time in early May, with pitching possibly delayed until 2026.

His presence looms large over this Dodgers team — both for what he brings to the lineup and what they’re missing without his bat and arm.

“I think Shohei being around helps morale,” said Freeman. “But we want him healthy. There’s no rushing him back.”

Implications and Takeaways

This game was a microcosm of what makes Major League Baseball so compelling: unpredictability, momentum swings, and emerging storylines. The Cubs proved they can hang with the league’s elite, while the Dodgers showed both their explosive potential and persistent vulnerabilities.

With the win, Chicago improved to 13–10, while the Dodgers fell to 14–9. Both clubs remain near the top of their respective divisions, but each knows the road ahead is long and filled with obstacles.

Three Takeaways:

1. Cubs’ Grit Shines Through: The team battled back multiple times, showing heart and resilience — signs of a club with postseason aspirations.
2. Dodgers’ Bullpen a Concern: Even with a loaded offense, the inability to close games will be a lingering concern until reinforcements arrive.
3. Young Stars Emerging: Crow-Armstrong, Pages, and Amaya all had impactful nights. The next generation is already arriving.

Looking Ahead

The Cubs and Dodgers will wrap up their three-game set on Wednesday, with Chicago sending lefty Jordan Wicks to the mound against Dodgers veteran Julio Urías. Both managers are expected to rest some regulars after Tuesday’s slugfest, but with playoff seeding potentially on the line come September, every win counts — even in April.

As the Cubs celebrated their walk-off, one couldn’t help but feel this game could be a precursor to something bigger down the road.