Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs Ready for Three-Game Showdown
Two teams riding mid-season surges look to assert their dominance as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Chicago Cubs in a highly anticipated three-game series starting this Friday at Wrigley Field. Both teams ended the first half of the season with strong performances that promise an exciting matchup for baseball fans everywhere.
Diamondbacks Gaining Momentum
Arizona enters the series with a 49-48 record, currently placing them second in the National League West. The team bolstered their position by winning eight out of their last 12 games before the All-Star break, indicating they are hitting their stride at a crucial point in the season.
A key player for the Diamondbacks has been second baseman Ketel Marte. Marte is having an impressive season, batting .292 with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored. Just before the break, Marte had a standout performance, going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI in a narrow 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Marte's history against the Cubs showcases his influence; over 30 career games, he’s managed a .278 average, featuring five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBI. Recently, he has been particularly sharp, recording five multi-hit games in the last nine contests before the All-Star Game.
Another player making an impact is left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has collected hits in nine of his past 10 games. Gurriel also contributed significantly on July 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored. His career stats against the Cubs include two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI across 12 games.
Pitching Matchups
Ryne Nelson will be the starting pitcher for Arizona in the series opener. Nelson has had an up-and-down season, boasting a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA. This series will be a critical test for him, providing an opportunity to solidify his place as a reliable starter for the Diamondbacks.
Cubs Pursuing Playoff Position
The Chicago Cubs, sitting at 47-51, find themselves fifth in the NL Central but only 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. Their recent form is promising, having won eight of their last 11 games. The Cubs already have an edge over the Diamondbacks this season, having won two out of three games during their previous meetings in Phoenix.
Justin Steele will take the mound for the Cubs in the opener. Steele's record of 2-3 with a 2.71 ERA highlights his effectiveness despite his win-loss tally. His last two starts resulted in victories, including an impressive seven-inning performance where he allowed just three hits and struck out four in an 8-0 triumph over Baltimore on July 18. Across 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, giving up 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and 81 strikeouts.
Meanwhile, first baseman Michael Busch is proving to be a valuable asset for the Cubs. He went 3-for-5 with a double in a tight 5-4 loss during Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday. Over a three-game sweep at Baltimore, Busch was outstanding, going 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBI. This season, Busch is hitting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historical Context and Betting Odds
The Diamondbacks lead the all-time series against the Cubs with a 98-85 record. However, the Cubs have a slight advantage at Wrigley Field, holding a 46-43 record in games played in the iconic ballpark. As the two teams prepare to face off, the first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. The Diamondbacks enter the series as the slight favorites with a –119 money line, and the over/under for the game is set at 7.5 runs.
This series stands to be a pivotal moment for both teams as they navigate the post-All-Star break portion of the season. With both squads having much to prove and a history of competitive matchups, fans can expect an exhilarating series at Wrigley Field.