Teams that concluded the first half of the season on an upward trajectory are set to collide this Friday as the Arizona Diamondbacks face the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Both squads come into this clash with spirited momentum, having made notable performances just before the All-Star break.
With a current record of 49-48, the Arizona Diamondbacks have their sights set firmly on maintaining their second-place position in the National League West. The team closed out the first segment of the season winning eight of their last twelve games, showcasing their resiliency and tenacity.
Ketel Marte Leading the Charge
Second baseman Ketel Marte has been central to the Diamondbacks’ success. Batting an impressive .292, Marte has amassed 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and has crossed home plate 64 times. Just before the break, Marte demonstrated his offensive power with a 3-for-5 performance that included a homer and four RBI in a close 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Over his career, Marte has consistently performed well against the Cubs, owning a .278 batting average with five doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 14 RBI in 30 games. Marte's recent form is particularly encouraging, having produced five multi-hit games in the last nine leading up to the All-Star Game.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s Consistency
Additionally, left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has been a reliable presence in the lineup, recording hits in nine of his last ten games. Highlighting his prowess, Gurriel Jr. delivered a standout 2-for-5 effort, which included a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3. This level of performance extends into his history against the Cubs, where he has tallied two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI across 12 games.
Pitching Duel: Ryne Nelson vs. Justin Steele
Kicking off the series on the mound for the Diamondbacks will be Ryne Nelson. With a 6-6 record and a 4.98 ERA, Nelson will be looking to provide a solid start and set the tone for the series. On the other side, the Cubs will counter with Justin Steele, who has proven to be a formidable opponent. Steele holds a 2-3 record with an impressive 2.71 ERA. He is coming off two consecutive winning starts, including a masterful seven-inning performance against Baltimore, where he allowed just three hits and struck out four in an 8-0 victory. Over his 14 starts this season, Steele has logged 86.1 innings, surrendered 64 hits, 26 earned runs, issued 18 walks, and fanned 81 batters.
Chicago Cubs' Recent Performance
The Cubs, who are currently positioned fifth in the NL Central with a 47-51 record, are focused on continuing their push towards the Wild Card, trailing by just 3.5 games. Their recent form illustrates their competitive spirit, having won eight of their last 11 games. Moreover, the Cubs hold a psychological edge, having taken two out of three games during their earlier meetings with the Diamondbacks in Phoenix.
First baseman Michael Busch has been a standout performer for the Cubs. He delivered an impressive 3-for-5 outing with a double during a 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday. Over a three-game sweep at Baltimore, Busch 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 in 91 games.
Historical Context and Betting Odds
Historically, the Diamondbacks have a slight edge in the all-time series against the Cubs, leading 98-85. However, the Cubs have been more successful at Wrigley Field, boasting a 46-43 advantage. The first pitch for what promises to be an exciting opener is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET. Heading into the game, the Diamondbacks are favored on the money line at –119, while Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs.
As both teams aim to carry their mid-season momentum forward, fans can expect a fiercely contested series filled with strategic pitching duels and dynamic bat performances.