Teams that finished the first half of the season on a strong note are set to clash on Friday, as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago for a three-game series.
Diamondbacks on the Rise
The Arizona Diamondbacks come into this series with a record of 49-48, placing them second in the National League West. The team managed to clinch eight wins out of their last 12 games leading up to the All-Star break, showcasing their momentum.
Second baseman Ketel Marte has been a standout performer for the Diamondbacks. Marte is currently batting .292, featuring an impressive tally of 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored. In his last game before the break, Marte went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. His track record against the Cubs is robust, with a batting average of .278 over 30 career games, including five doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 14 RBIs.
Marte’s consistency is highlighted by his five multi-hit games out of the last nine heading into the All-Star Game. Adding to the potency of Arizona’s lineup, left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has also been in fine form, securing hits in nine of his past 10 games. On July 3rd against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gurriel delivered a 2-for-5 performance that included a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored. Across 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel has recorded two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs.
Pitching and Defense
Taking the mound for Arizona in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson, who carries a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA. Nelson's performance will be critical as the Diamondbacks look to maintain their climb in the standings.
Cubs Seeking Wild Card Glory
The Chicago Cubs, with a 47-51 record, currently hold fifth place in the NL Central and are just 3.5 games out of the Wild Card race. Demonstrating resilience, the Cubs have won eight out of their last 11 games.
The Cubs already have an early-season edge over the Diamondbacks, having taken two out of three games in their previous meeting in Phoenix. Pitcher Justin Steele will have a significant role in maintaining this momentum. Steele has a 2-3 record accompanied by a commendable 2.71 ERA. His recent form has been impeccable, securing wins in his last two starts. On July 18, Steele pitched seven innings, giving up just three hits and striking out four in an 8-0 victory against Baltimore.
Over 14 starts this season, Steele has logged 86.1 innings, allowed 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and struck out 81 batters. His consistency on the mound will be instrumental for the Cubs.
Key Performers
First baseman Michael Busch has been an offensive powerhouse for the Cubs. In his most recent notable performance, Busch went 3-for-5 with a double in a narrow 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis. Over a three-game sweep at Baltimore, Busch hit an awe-inspiring 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBIs. This season, his all-around performance includes a .271 batting average with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historical Context and Betting Insights
Historically, Arizona holds a slight edge over Chicago, leading the all-time series 98-85. However, the Cubs have a 46-43 advantage in games played at their home ground, Wrigley Field. Friday's game promises to be an intense competition, with the Diamondbacks being a –119 favorite on the money line. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, a figure that both teams will aim to surpass given their current form.
The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, and fans can expect a thrilling matchup as these two determined teams take the field, each seeking to build on their positive momentum from the first half of the season.