The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs, two teams on an upward trajectory, are set to clash on Friday in a pivotal three-game series at Wrigley Field. Both teams come into this series with positive momentum, making it a must-watch matchup for baseball enthusiasts.
Diamondbacks on the Rise
The Arizona Diamondbacks, with a current record of 49-48, are holding strong at second place in the National League West. They have been impressive, winning eight of their last 12 games heading into the All-Star break. Key to their success has been the performance of second baseman Ketel Marte. Marte is hitting a robust .292 this season, with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored. His recent form has been nothing short of stellar; Marte went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBI in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays before the break. Over his career, Marte has batted .278 against the Cubs, adding five home runs and 14 RBI over 30 games.
Adding to Arizona’s offensive strength is left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has been consistent with hits in nine of his past 10 games. Gurriel showcased his power with a 2-for-5 display, including a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3. Across his 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel has managed two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI.
Pitching Matchup Insights
On the mound for the Diamondbacks in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson. The right-hander holds a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA. While his numbers may not stand out, his potential impact cannot be underestimated as he aims to provide a strong start for his team.
The Cubs, currently sitting at 47-51 and fifth in the NL Central, are just 3.5 games out of the Wild Card. They have shown resilience, winning eight of their last 11 games. One standout performance from their recent stretch came from pitcher Justin Steele. With a 2-3 record and a stellar 2.71 ERA, Steele has been a reliable arm. In his last two starts, he has come away with wins, including a dominant outing against Baltimore where he pitched seven innings of three-hit ball while striking out four in an 8-0 victory. Over the season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, allowing just 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and striking out 81.
Key Players to Watch
One player to keep an eye on for the Cubs is first baseman Michael Busch. He delivered an impressive three-hit game with a double in a 5-4 loss to St. Louis last Saturday. Busch has shown his reliability at the plate, batting .271 this season with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 46 runs over 91 games. His performance during the three-game sweep at Baltimore, where he went 8-for-15 with three doubles, one homer, and four RBI, highlights his importance to the Cubs’ offensive lineup.
Historical Context
Historically, the Diamondbacks hold the edge in head-to-head matchups against the Cubs, leading the all-time series 98-85. However, when the venue shifts to Wrigley Field, the Cubs have a slight advantage with a 46-43 record in home games. This series at Wrigley promises to be a tight battle, providing fans with intense and competitive baseball.
Odds and Ends
The game is set to kick off at 2:20 p.m. ET, with the Diamondbacks entering as a –119 favorite on the money line. Vegas has pegged the over/under for this contest at 7.5 runs, reflecting the anticipation of a closely fought contest.
This series not only holds significance for both teams' standings but also offers a showcase of individual talent and team strategy. With both clubs eager to build on their recent successes, baseball fans can expect a thrilling series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Wrigley Field.