The Cubs took an early lead and never trailed as they romped past the Diamondbacks, 8-3, in Phoenix. Alex Avila and Kyle Schwarber each homered for Chicago, and Kris Bryant finished 3-for-3 with a run, an RBI, and a walk. John Lackey pitched into the sixth inning and secured his 10th win as the Cubs opened the three-game set with a win. Taijuan [[ TIE-wahn ]] Walker allowed five hits and five runs over five-plus to take the loss for Arizona. David Peralta and Paul Goldschmidt homered in defeat.