Teams that finished the first half of the season on a bit of a roll are set to 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 continue their upward momentum as the season progresses.
Currently holding a 49-48 record, the Arizona Diamondbacks position themselves second in the National League West. Their recent success, winning eight of their last 12 games leading up to the All-Star break, signals a team finding its form at the right time.
Key Players to Watch
Arizona's second baseman Ketel Marte has been a significant contributor, boasting a .292 batting average. With 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored this season, Marte's performance has been pivotal to the team's success. Notably, he had a 3-for-5 effort with a homer and four RBIs in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the break. In his 30 career games against Chicago, Marte is batting .278 with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBIs, making him a key player to watch in this series.
Similarly, left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has shown consistency, registering hits in nine of his past 10 games. Gurriel's performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3 – where he went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored – demonstrates his offensive abilities. Over his 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel has accumulated two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs, solidifying his reputation as a crucial offensive asset.
On the Mound
Kicking off the series for Arizona will be Ryne Nelson, who enters with a 6-6 record and a 4.98 ERA. For the Diamondbacks to secure a crucial win, Nelson's performance will need to be top-notch against a resilient Cubs lineup.
The Chicago Cubs, with a 47-51 record, stand fifth in the NL Central but are showing signs of resurgence. They are only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card and have won eight of their last 11 games, exhibiting both form and grit. The Cubs previously took two out of three games against the Diamondbacks during their earlier meetings in Phoenix, giving them a psychological edge heading into this series.
Starting for the Cubs will be Justin Steele, who boasts a 2-3 record and a 2.71 ERA. Steele's last two starts resulted in wins, showcasing his reliability on the mound. His standout performance against Baltimore on July 18, where he pitched seven innings allowing just three hits while striking out four in an 8-0 victory, highlights his capability to dominate strong lineups.
Offensive Contributions
First baseman Michael Busch has been another offensive spark for the Cubs. In Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday, Busch went 3-for-5 with a double. His recent performance, going 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBIs during a three-game sweep at Baltimore, underscores his consistency and offensive prowess. Over 91 games this season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored.
Historical Context and Odds
Historically, the Diamondbacks hold a lead in the all-time series against the Cubs, 98-85. However, the Cubs have a slight edge with a 46-43 advantage in games played at Wrigley Field. Given the close competition and the recent form of both teams, this series is poised to be an exciting one for fans and analysts alike.
The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, with the Diamondbacks being a –119 favorite on the money line. Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs, indicating a potentially competitive game with a balanced mix of offensive and defensive plays.
As both teams vie to make a statement post-All-Star break, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and standout performances from star players as they continue their quest towards postseason glory.