Comeback Role Fits Cubs Again

PHOENIX — Pinch-hitter Tyler Houston hit a three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning Tuesday night to lift the Chicago Cubs to a 5-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Chicago’s latest comeback gave the Cubs 13 victories in their final at-bat this season, including 10 in the last 20 games. Of the Cubs’ 32 victories, 17 are of the come-from-behind variety.

Mark Grace led off the ninth with a double against Omar Daal and went to third when right-fielder Tony Womack bobbled the ball for an error.

Gregg Olson (3-4) relieved and struck out Sammy Sosa, got Glenallen Hill to pop out and intentionally walked Henry Rodriguez. Houston, batting for Jose Hernandez, hit the first pitch into the right-field seats. Olson has six blown saves in 14 chances.

Rick Aguilera (3-1) pitched a scoreless eighth for the victory and Terry Adams got three outs for his third save.

Daal gave up three runs, four hits and struck out 11 in eight-plus innings.

Daal walked Hernandez to lead off the eighth. Benito Santiago singled, and pinch-hitter Jeff Blauser walked. But Mickey Morandini hit into a run-scoring double-play to cut the Arizona lead to 3-2.

Sosa led off the second inning with his first triple this season and scored on a double by Rodriguez.

Matt Williams singled with one out in the fourth for the Diamondbacks. He advanced to second on a groundout and third on a wild pitch. Travis Lee then walked and stole second before Kelly Stinnett’s two-run single.