Teams that finished the first half of the season on a high note are set to clash this Friday as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Chicago Cubs in a much-anticipated three-game series at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Arizona's Momentum
The Arizona Diamondbacks come into the series with a respectable 49-48 record, currently holding the second spot in the National League West. They've been riding a wave of success, winning eight of their last 12 games leading up to the All-Star break. Central to their offensive efforts has been second baseman Ketel Marte, who has shown consistent form. Marte is batting .292 with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored. His superb performance against the Toronto Blue Jays just before the break, where he went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBI, exemplifies his contributions.
Marte's track record against the Cubs is also noteworthy; in 30 career games against Chicago, he is batting .278 with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBI. Additionally, Marte had five multi-hit games in the last nine matchups leading into the All-Star Game, indicating his reliable hitting form.
Another key player for the Diamondbacks is left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has registered hits in nine of his past 10 games. He had an impressive 2-for-5 performance, including a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored on July 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel has compiled two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI, adding depth and strength to Arizona's lineup.
Taking the mound for Arizona in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson. Sporting a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA, Nelson will look to build on his previous performances and give his team a solid start.
Chicago's Determination
The Chicago Cubs, with a 47-51 record, find themselves fifth in the NL Central. Despite their positioning, the Cubs are only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card spot, showing that there's still plenty to play for. Their recent form has been promising, winning eight of their last 11 games. Earlier in the season, the Cubs took two out of three games against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix, giving them confidence heading into this series.
Starting for the Cubs will be left-hander Justin Steele. With a 2-3 record and an impressive 2.71 ERA, Steele has been a reliable arm for Chicago. His last two starts resulted in victories, underscoring his importance to the team. In his most recent outing on July 18, Steele pitched seven stellar innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four in an 8-0 victory against Baltimore. Across 14 starts this season, he has thrown 86.1 innings, giving up 64 hits, 26 earned runs, and 18 walks while striking out 81.
Key Players to Watch
First baseman Michael Busch has also been a bright spot for the Cubs. He went 3-for-5 with a double in a recent 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals last Saturday. Additionally, Busch put up an impressive 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one home run, and four RBI during a three-game sweep at Baltimore. So far this season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored over 91 games, providing a steady offensive output for Chicago.
Historical Context and Expectations
Historically, the Diamondbacks hold the upper hand in their all-time series against the Cubs, leading 98-85. However, the Cubs have performed better at home with a 46-43 advantage in games played at Wrigley Field. The first pitch of this series is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, with Arizona entering as a –119 favorite. Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs, which should make for a competitive and exciting series opener.
Both teams have shown they can string together wins, and this matchup will be a pivotal test. The Diamondbacks will rely on their recent momentum and the consistent performances from key hitters like Ketel Marte and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Meanwhile, the Cubs will look to capitalize on their recent winning streak and the solid pitching of Justin Steele and consistent batting from Michael Busch.
Fans can expect a tightly contested series, with each game holding significant weight in the larger playoff picture for both squads.