Two teams that concluded the first half of the season with impressive performances are set to face off on Friday as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Both teams are looking to build on their recent successes in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
Diamondbacks' Rising Stars
The Arizona Diamondbacks, holding a 49-48 record and second place in the National League West, have been on an upswing, winning eight of their last 12 games leading up to the All-Star break. Key players, such as second baseman Ketel Marte and left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., have been crucial in their recent successes.
Ketel Marte has been one of the standout performers for the Diamondbacks. Marte is currently batting .292, with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored. His recent performance included a 3-for-5 showing with a home run and four RBIs in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the break. Historically, Marte has been effective against Chicago, batting .278 with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBIs over 30 career games against the Cubs. Adding to his momentum, Marte recorded five multi-hit games in the last nine before the All-Star Game.
Meanwhile, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has been equally prolific, with hits in nine of his past 10 games. On July 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gurriel went 2-for-5, including a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored. His career stats against the Cubs are also noteworthy, boasting two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs over 12 games.
For the series opener, the Diamondbacks will place their hopes in pitcher Ryne Nelson. Nelson carries a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA. Arizona will need Ryan at his best to counter the Cubs' recent form.
Cubs' Determined Comeback
The Chicago Cubs, currently fifth in the NL Central with a 47-51 record, are just 3.5 games out of the Wild Card spot. The Cubs have shown their resilience, winning eight of their last 11 games. Their recent tour in Phoenix saw them take two out of three games against the Diamondbacks, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter at their home ground.
Pitching for the Cubs in the series opener will be Justin Steele. Steele has been impressive, with a 2-3 record and a stellar 2.71 ERA. His last two starts brought wins for the Cubs, including a standout performance against Baltimore, where he pitched seven innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four in an 8-0 victory on July 18. Over his 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, allowed 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and struck out 81.
First baseman Michael Busch has also been a highlight for the Cubs, delivering a 3-for-5 performance with a double in a 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday. Busch went 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBIs during a three-game sweep at Baltimore. Overall, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored over 91 games this season.
Historical Context and Betting Odds
Historically, the Diamondbacks have had the upper hand over the Cubs, leading the all-time series 98-85. However, the Cubs have a slight edge when it comes to games played at Wrigley Field, with a 46-43 advantage.
The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, and the Diamondbacks are currently a –119 favorite on the money line. Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs, reflecting the expected competitiveness of the series opener.
This weekend's clash between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs promises to be a pivotal series for both teams as they aim to continue their recent strong form. With standout players and promising pitchers on both sides, fans can expect a thrilling contest at Wrigley Field.