Teams that finished the first half of the season on a bit of a roll clash on Friday as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Both teams are looking to build on their recent successes and establish momentum heading into the latter part of the season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, currently holding a 49-48 record, sit second in the National League West. The team experienced a surge before the All-Star break, winning eight of their last 12 games. A critical factor in their performance has been the consistent play of second baseman Ketel Marte. Batting an impressive .292, Marte has racked up 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored. In a valiant 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the break, Marte had a standout 3-for-5 effort with a homer and four RBI, demonstrating his undeniable influence on the team's offense.
Marte's performance against the Cubs further cements his key player status. Over the span of 30 career games against Chicago, he holds a solid .278 batting average with five doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 14 RBI. His recent form, which includes five multi-hit games in the last nine before the All-Star Game, should have the Cubs' pitching staff on high alert.
Alongside Marte, left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has provided another offensive spark for the Diamondbacks. Gurriel Jr. has registered hits in nine of his past 10 games. Highlighting his prowess, a 2-for-5 performance that included a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored came on July 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel Jr. has amassed two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI, indicating his potential to influence the series significantly.
Pitching duties for Arizona in the series opener will fall to Ryne Nelson. Nelson brings a 6-6 record and a 4.98 ERA to the mound. His consistency will be pivotal as the Diamondbacks face a Cubs team that has shown resilience in recent games.
Cubs' Form and Strategy
The Chicago Cubs, with a 47-51 record, find themselves fifth in the NL Central but are only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card race. Winning eight of their last 11 games has highlighted the Cubs' fighting spirit and ability to compete under pressure. During their previous meetings in Phoenix, the Cubs secured two out of three games against the Diamondbacks, showcasing their tenacity.
Justin Steele will be the starting pitcher for Chicago. Steele's stats this season highlight his reliability: a 2-3 record paired with a 2.71 ERA. His recent form is promising, having pitched seven innings, allowing just three hits, and striking out four in a commanding 8-0 victory against Baltimore on July 18. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has logged 86.1 innings, conceding 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, while fanning 81. Steele's ability to stifle opposing offenses will be crucial for the Cubs in this series.
Michael Busch's Offensive Surge
First baseman Michael Busch has been a revelation for the Cubs lately. His recent stats are impressive: a .271 batting average with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored over 91 games this season. Busch's contributions were highlighted in a recent 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis, where he went 3-for-5 with a double. This followed an exceptional series against Baltimore, in which Busch went 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one home run, and four RBI during a three-game sweep. His consistent performance adds depth to the Cubs' batting lineup.
Historical Context and Betting Odds
Historically, the Diamondbacks hold a 98-85 lead in the all-time series against the Cubs. However, games at Wrigley Field have been tighter, with the Cubs leading 46-43. The first pitch of the series is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET, with the Diamondbacks positioned as –119 favorites on the money line. Oddsmakers have set the over/under at 7.5 runs, highlighting the potential for a closely contested and high-stakes series.
As both teams strive to maintain their momentum post-All-Star break, fans can anticipate a thrilling series filled with competitive spirit and standout individual performances. The clash between the Diamondbacks and the Cubs promises to deliver excitement and set the tone for their respective playoff pushes.