Ian Happ's Walk-Off Hit Powers Cubs Comeback Win Over Dodgers

Aria Freeman

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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The Dodgers' Early Lead and Cubs' Fightback

The Los Angeles Dodgers started strong, taking an early lead against the Cubs. Their potent offense quickly put runs on the board, leveraging effective pitching to keep the Cubs at bay initially.

• Top of the 2nd: Dodgers score two runs on a double by Mookie Betts and an RBI single by Freddie Freeman.
• Top of the 4th: The Dodgers add another run on a solo home run by Will Smith, extending their lead to 3-0.

However, the Cubs' offense, known for its ability to mount comebacks, began to chip away at the Dodgers' lead. Strategic adjustments and timely hits turned the tide.

• Bottom of the 5th: A two-run homer by Seiya Suzuki ignited the Cubs' comeback, cutting the Dodgers' lead to 3-2.
• Bottom of the 7th: A bases-loaded single by Nico Hoerner tied the game at 3-3, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. The Cubs' offensive pressure forced Dodgers pitching changes, disrupting their rhythm. The Cubs' dugout was energized by this turning point in the game.

Ian Happ's Heroics – The Walk-Off Hit

With the score tied 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth, the tension in Wrigley Field was palpable. Bases loaded, two outs – the stage was set for Ian Happ. The count went to 2-2. Then, Dodgers pitcher Evan Phillips delivered a fastball, right down the middle. Happ didn't miss, launching a towering shot to right field. The ball sailed over the fence, electrifying the crowd and securing a walk-off win for the Cubs.

• The Hit: A powerful, no-doubt home run off a 96mph fastball. It was Happ's second home run of the game and his 18th of the season.
• Post-Game: Happ commented on the at-bat, stating, "I was just trying to put a good swing on it, and thankfully, it worked out." Manager David Ross praised Happ’s composure under pressure.
• Happ's Statistics: Happ finished the game with 2 RBIs, 2 home runs and a .271 batting average for the season. This walk-off win solidified his place as a key player for the Cubs.

Key Performances Beyond Happ

While Happ's walk-off hit stole the show, several other players made significant contributions to the Cubs' comeback:

• Cody Bellinger's diving catch in the 8th inning robbed the Dodgers of a potential game-changing hit.
• Dansby Swanson's heads-up baserunning in the 7th inning created scoring opportunities.
• Justin Steele’s solid relief pitching in the late innings helped keep the Dodgers from pulling away.

Implications and Looking Ahead

This dramatic comeback win significantly impacts the NL Central race. The Cubs tightened their grip on their playoff positioning, putting pressure on their division rivals. The win also greatly boosts team morale, providing much needed momentum as they head into their next series against the [Upcoming Opponent]. For the Dodgers, the loss is a setback, although they remain a strong contender for a playoff spot. The upcoming series will be a crucial test of their resilience and ability to bounce back from this defeat.

Conclusion

The Chicago Cubs pulled off a stunning comeback victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers, thanks to Ian Happ's incredible walk-off home run. The Dodgers' early lead was countered by a resilient Cubs offense, highlighted by key contributions from several players. Happ's performance in this game solidified his standing as a true clutch hitter. This win is a significant boost to the Cubs’ playoff hopes. Share your reactions to this amazing game using #Cubbies #Dodgers #IanHapp #WalkOffWin and stay tuned for more exciting baseball action!