Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs Prepare for an Exciting Showdown
Teams that found momentum as the first half of the season concluded are set to collide on Friday when the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago. Both outfits are eager to continue their winning ways and make strides in their respective divisions.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have managed to secure a 49-48 record, positioning them in second place in the highly competitive National League West. Impressively, Arizona clinched victories in eight of their last twelve outings leading up to the All-Star break, showcasing their form and determination.
One player making significant contributions is second baseman Ketel Marte. Marte boasts a batting average of .292, coupled with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored. His offensive prowess was on full display when he went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI in a narrow 8-7 defeat to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the All-Star break.
Marte's consistency has been evident against Chicago as well. In 30 career games facing the Cubs, he has maintained a .278 average, with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBI to his name. Leading into the All-Star Game, Marte delivered five multi-hit games out of nine, emphasizing his hot streak.
Another key player for Arizona is left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has hit safely in nine of his last ten games. Gurriel Jr.'s notable performances include a 2-for-5 effort, with a double, a homer, three RBI, and two runs scored in a recent match-up against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3. Historically, in just 12 games against the Cubs, Gurriel Jr. has managed two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI.
On the mound for the Diamondbacks in the series opener is Ryne Nelson. Nelson carries a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA, needing to bring his A-game to counteract Chicago's hitters.
The Chicago Cubs, holding a 47-51 record, find themselves in a challenging position, sitting fifth in the NL Central. Despite the standings, the Cubs are only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card, keeping their postseason dreams very much alive. Demonstrating their resilience, the Cubs have prevailed in eight of their last 11 games, showing both form and tenacity.
In previous encounters, the Cubs gleaned confidence from their ability to take two out of three games against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix. This history sets the stage for an intense series as both teams have much to prove.
Taking to the mound for Chicago will be Justin Steele, who boasts a 2-3 record with an impressive 2.71 ERA. Steele's recent form has been exceptional, having registered wins in his last two starts. Particularly notable was his performance against Baltimore on July 18, where he pitched seven innings, allowed only three hits, and struck out four batters in an 8-0 victory. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, conceding just 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, while striking out 81.
Providing offensive support will be first baseman Michael Busch, who has been in stellar form. Busch went 3-for-5, including a double, during a recent 5-4 loss to St. Louis in the second game of a doubleheader last Saturday. During a three-game sweep at Baltimore, he showcased his hitting prowess by going 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBI. This season, Busch holds a .271 batting average with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored across 91 games.
When looking at the rivalry, the Diamondbacks historically have a slight edge, leading the all-time series against the Cubs 98-85. However, the Cubs have held their own at Wrigley Field, leading 46-43 in games played at the historic venue.
As the first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, fans eagerly anticipate a highly competitive game. The Diamondbacks enter as a –119 favorite on the money line, with Vegas setting the over/under at 7.5 runs. Both teams are poised to leave everything on the field, aiming to start the second half of the season with crucial victories.