Two teams aiming to build on their recent successes will clash this Friday, as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Both clubs concluded the first half of their MLB seasons on strong notes, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Riding Momentum
The Arizona Diamondbacks come into this series with a 49-48 record, placing them second in the National League West. Bolstered by winning eight of their last twelve games leading up to the All-Star break, the team looks primed to continue their march toward postseason contention.
At the heart of Arizona's recent success is second baseman Ketel Marte, who has been nothing short of sensational. Marte is batting .292, with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored. His 3-for-5 performance, which included a homer and four RBIs in a narrow 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the break, highlighted his impact.
In his career against the Cubs, Marte has been a consistent threat, maintaining a .278 batting average with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBIs over 30 games. Impressively, Marte recorded five multi-hit games out of his last nine prior to the All-Star Game, cementing his role as a key offensive player.
Complementing Marte's efforts is left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has hits in nine of his past ten games. On July 3, he delivered a standout performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored. Gurriel's career numbers against the Cubs are equally noteworthy, featuring two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs across 12 games.
Starting on the mound for Arizona in the series opener is Ryne Nelson. With a 6-6 record and a 4.98 ERA, Nelson will be looking to provide the Diamondbacks with a strong start against a resurging Cubs lineup.
Chicago Cubs: Chasing the Wild Card
The Chicago Cubs, holding a 47-51 record, find themselves in fifth place in the NL Central, 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. The Cubs' recent form has been impressive, winning eight of their last eleven games. This stretch includes taking two out of three games against the Diamondbacks during their earlier meetings in Phoenix.
On the mound for the series opener will be Justin Steele, who has been a bright spot for the Cubs' pitching staff. Steele boasts a 2-3 record and a 2.71 ERA, with his last two starts both culminating in victories. In a commanding outing against Baltimore on July 18, Steele pitched seven innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four, leading the Cubs to an 8-0 win.
Over 14 starts this season, Steele has maintained an impressive stat line, pitching 86.1 innings while allowing 64 hits, 26 earned runs, and 18 walks, striking out 81 batters in the process. His consistency will be pivotal for the Cubs as they look to gain ground in the playoff race.
Offensively, the Cubs will rely on first baseman Michael Busch, whose recent form has been exemplary. Busch went 3-for-5 with a double in a narrow 5-4 loss to St. Louis in Game 2 of a doubleheader last Saturday. During a three-game sweep at Baltimore, he excelled, going 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBIs. On the season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historical Context and Betting Odds
The Diamondbacks hold a slim historical advantage over the Cubs, leading the all-time series 98-85. In games played at Wrigley Field, the Cubs have the edge, with a 46-43 record. As these two teams prepare to add another chapter to their rivalry, the first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday.
In terms of odds, the Diamondbacks are slight favorites with a –119 money line. The over/under for the game is set at 7.5 runs, indicating a potentially balanced contest.
Both teams will be eager to set a positive tone for the second half of the season. With players like Ketel Marte, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Michael Busch taking the field, fans can expect a high level of baseball and a tightly contested series at one of baseball's most iconic venues.