Teams that ended the first half of the season on a strong note are set to face off as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Chicago Cubs for a three-game series at Wrigley Field in Chicago starting on Friday.
Diamondbacks Seeking to Build on Momentum
The Arizona Diamondbacks closed out the pre-All-Star break with a respectable 49-48 record, positioning themselves second in the competitive National League West. They showed significant promise by winning eight of their last 12 games before the break.
A big part of that success can be attributed to the stellar performance of second baseman Ketel Marte, who has been a standout player. Marte is batting .292 with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored. His recent 3-for-5 showing with a homer and four RBI in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays exemplifies his impact.
Marte has also demonstrated consistency against the Cubs, batting .278 with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBI in 30 career games against Chicago. Additionally, he had five multi-hit games in his last nine outings before the All-Star Game, underscoring his current form.
Supporting Cast Stepping Up
Left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is another key contributor for the Diamondbacks, boasting hits in nine of his last 10 games. His 2-for-5 effort, featuring a double and a home run with three RBI against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3, highlighted his capabilities. Gurriel Jr. has amassed two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI in his 12 career games facing the Cubs.
On the mound for Arizona in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson, who holds a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA. Nelson's performance will be crucial against a Cubs team that has shown resilience throughout the season.
Cubs Showing Grit and Determination
Currently fifth in the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs have a 47-51 record and are just 3.5 games out of the Wild Card spot, reflecting their competitive spirit. The Cubs have won eight of their last 11 games, building on their momentum in crucial games.
Pitching for Chicago will be Justin Steele, who has been reliable this season with a 2-3 record and a 2.71 ERA. Steele's last two starts have resulted in wins, including a dominant seven-inning performance where he allowed just three hits while striking out four in an 8-0 victory against Baltimore on July 18. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, allowing 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and has struck out 81 batters.
Bats Heating Up
First baseman Michael Busch has also been a bright spot for the Cubs. In his last outing, Busch went 3-for-5 with a double in a 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis. His prowess was particularly evident in a three-game sweep at Baltimore, where he went 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBI. This season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historical Context and Odds
Historically, the Diamondbacks have a slight edge over the Cubs, leading the all-time series 98-85. However, the Cubs hold a narrow advantage when playing at Wrigley Field, with a 46-43 record against Arizona in their home ballpark.
For Friday’s matchup, the Diamondbacks are a -119 favorite on the money line, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. The first pitch is slated for 2:20 p.m. ET, promising an exciting start to a crucial series for both teams.
Both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strong finishes before the All-Star break and carry that momentum into the second half of the season, making this series one to watch for baseball aficionados.