The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs, both on a hot streak, will face off in a three-game series at Wrigley Field starting Friday. With both teams looking to start the second half of the season strong, all eyes will be on the diamond.
Diamondbacks Riding High
After a solid run leading up to the All-Star break, the Arizona Diamondbacks are sitting in second place in the National League West with a 49-48 record. Winning eight of their last twelve games, Arizona seems poised to maintain their momentum. One of the key players for the Diamondbacks has been second baseman Ketel Marte. With a batting average of .292, Marte has been pivotal, boasting 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, and 57 RBI. His recent performance against the Toronto Blue Jays—going 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBI—highlights his prowess at the plate.
Marte's track record against the Cubs is equally noteworthy. In 30 career games against Chicago, he has a batting average of .278 with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBI. He has managed five multi-hit games out of his last nine, making him a significant threat to the Cubs' pitching lineup.
Left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has also been in formidable form, collecting hits in nine of his past ten games. His two-for-five outing, which included a double, a home run, and three RBI against the Los Angeles Dodgers, further emphasizes his contribution to the team's performance. Gurriel Jr. has a commendable history against the Cubs, with two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI in twelve career games.
Pitching duties for Arizona in the series opener will fall to Ryne Nelson, who holds a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA. Nelson will look to keep the Cubs' roster at bay and strengthen the Diamondbacks' standing as they venture into the second half of the season.
Cubs Aiming for a Comeback
The Chicago Cubs, currently fifth in the NL Central with a 47-51 record, are not far off the mark for the Wild Card, standing just 3.5 games behind. The Cubs have also displayed their grit and form, winning eight of their last eleven games. During their previous encounters in Phoenix, the Cubs took two out of three games against the Diamondbacks, a statistic that could boost their confidence heading into this series.
Taking the mound for the Cubs will be Justin Steele, who brings a 2-3 record and an impressive 2.71 ERA. Steele has been reliable in his last two starts, both wins. His standout performance against Baltimore, where he pitched seven innings allowing just three hits while striking out four, underscored his capabilities. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, allowing 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and recording 81 strikeouts—metrics that speak volumes of his skill on the mound.
First baseman Michael Busch has also been a bright spot for Chicago. His recent form, going 8-for-15 with three doubles, one homer, and four RBI during a three-game sweep at Baltimore, has been vital for the Cubs. This season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored over 91 games. His consistency will be crucial for the Cubs as they aim to close the gap in the standings.
Historical Context and Betting Insights
Historically, the Diamondbacks have the upper hand in the all-time series against the Cubs, leading 98-85. However, the Cubs have a slight edge at Wrigley Field, with a 46-43 record. The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, and with the Diamondbacks marked as a –119 favorite on the money line, the game promises to be tightly contested. Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs, indicating a potentially high-scoring affair.
As the Diamondbacks and Cubs prepare to clash, fans can expect an enthralling game filled with high stakes and top-tier performances. With both teams on a roll, this series could very well set the tone for their respective second halves of the season.