Teams that finished the first half of the baseball season on a high note are set to clash on Friday. The Arizona Diamondbacks will face the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago. Both teams entered the All-Star break flaunting commendable forms, and this series promises to be a fiercely competitive showdown.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Riding a Wave of Momentum
For the Diamondbacks, a 49-48 record places them second in the National League West. This strong position is underpinned by an impressive streak where they won eight of their last twelve games before the All-Star break. Key to their offensive success has been the stellar performance of second baseman Ketel Marte, who is currently batting .292. His stats boast 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored.
Marte has been particularly formidable recently, with a notable 3-for-5 effort, including a homer and four RBIs, in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the break. Over his career, he has consistently performed well against the Cubs, batting .278 across 30 career games with Chicago.
Another key player for Arizona has been left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has recorded hits in nine of his past ten games. His recent performance on July 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers was a highlight, going 2-for-5, with a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored. Gurriel Jr. has amassed two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs in his 12 career games against the Cubs, further showcasing his capability.
Pitching Face-Off: Nelson vs. Steele
On the mound for Arizona in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson. Nelson holds a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA this season, indicating a mixed bag of outings. Opposing him will be Chicago's Justin Steele, who sports a 2-3 record and a 2.71 ERA. Steele's recent performances have been particularly impressive, with victories in his last two starts. His last outing saw him pitch seven innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four in an 8-0 win against Baltimore.
Steele's season stats over 14 starts include 86.1 innings pitched, allowing 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and 81 strikeouts. His consistency on the mound will be a crucial factor for the Cubs as they look to secure a home victory against a confident Diamondbacks lineup.
Chicago Cubs: Aiming for a Comeback
The Cubs enter the series with a 47-51 record, placing them fifth in the NL Central. They are currently 3.5 games out of the Wild Card race, making this series critical for their postseason aspirations. The Cubs have demonstrated resilience, winning eight of their last eleven games leading up to the All-Star break.
Historically, this matchup has been closely contested. The Diamondbacks lead the all-time series against the Cubs 98-85, yet the Cubs hold a slight edge at Wrigley Field with a 46-43 advantage in games played at home.
First baseman Michael Busch has been a bright spot for the Cubs, batting .271 this season with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored over 91 games. His recent performance has been particularly noteworthy, going 3-for-5 with a double in a 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis. Busch also shone during a three-game sweep at Baltimore, hitting 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, a homer, and four RBIs.
Game Outlook
The first pitch for this exciting series opener is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, with the Diamondbacks listed as a –119 favorite on the money line. The over/under for the game is set at 7.5 runs, reflecting the expected tight contest.
With both teams eager to build on their recent successes and make a strong push for the second half of the season, fans can expect a thrilling series at Wrigley Field. The performances of key players like Ketel Marte, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Justin Steele, and Michael Busch will undoubtedly be central to the outcome, as every hit, pitch, and run will be crucial in this matchup of in-form teams.