Chicago Cubs' Wild Ending Not Seen In Decades

The Cubs beat the Mariners in a bizarre and historic fashion.

Apr 9, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) and pitcher Adbert Alzolay (73). / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs' 3-2 win over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday was a nail-biter. It also ended in an unusual manner that Cubs' fans haven't seen in decades.

After splitting the first two games of the series at T-Mobile Park, Chicago jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the rubber match when Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo threw Cody Bellinger's ground ball away, allowing Seiya Suzuki to score.

The Cubs extended their lead to 3-0 in the fourth on yet another home run from the red-hot Michael Busch, who extended his homer streak to four consecutive games. Seattle's Jorge Polanco matched him with a two-run shot in the bottom of the sixth off Javier Assad, however, trimming Chicago's lead to one run and setting the stage for a wacky finish.

With the Cubs still nursing their 3-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth, Craig Counsell brought in Adbert Alzolay to close out the game. Alzolay struck out the first two batters he faced before surrendering a single to Cal Raleigh, who was placed by pinch-runner Julio Rodriguez.

With the count at 1-1 to Luke Raley, Alzolay turned and fired to Busch at first base, who slapped the tag on Rodriguez. The umpire initially called Rodriguez safe, but Counsell successfully challenged the call and had it overturned, ruling Rodriguez out and ending the game.

Cubs win!

CUBS WIN!

pic.twitter.com/C22v3gpwdR

— MboneHD (@MboneHD) April 14, 2024

Talk about a crazy finish. It was Chicago's first win on a game-ending pickoff since June 8, 2003, when Joe Borowski picked off the New York Yankees' Charles Gipson to seal an 8-7 win for the Cubs on Sunday Night Baseball.