Arizona Diamondbacks Set to Face Chicago Cubs in Crucial Series at Wrigley Field
As the second half of the season commences, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs prepare for a significant three-game series starting Friday at the historic Wrigley Field in Chicago. Both teams look to capitalize on their strong performances leading into the All-Star break, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
The Diamondbacks, currently holding a 49-48 record, find themselves second in the National League West. They have shown commendable resilience, winning eight of their last 12 games before the break. A key contributor to this surge is second baseman Ketel Marte. Batting .292 with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored, Marte has been a consistent force in Arizona's lineup. His recent 3-for-5 performance, which included a homer and four RBI in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, underscores his value to the team.
Marte's track record against the Cubs further highlights his potential impact in the upcoming series. In 30 career games against Chicago, he boasts a .278 average with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBI. He also had five multi-hit games out of the last nine leading up to the All-Star Game, reinforcing his status as a player to watch.
Another player in fine form is left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has recorded hits in nine of his past 10 games. Gurriel's notable performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3, where he went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored, serves as a reminder of his capability to influence game outcomes. In his 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel has accumulated two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI.
On the mound for Arizona in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson. Despite a 6-6 record and a 4.98 ERA, Nelson's ability to handle pressure will be critical as the Diamondbacks aim to start the series on a positive note.
Meanwhile, the Cubs, with a 47-51 record, are aiming to make up ground as they look to strengthen their position in the NL Central where they currently sit fifth. They remain 3.5 games out of the Wild Card, making this series pivotal. The Cubs showcased their resolve by winning eight of their last 11 games before the break. Their earlier series against Arizona saw them take two out of three games in Phoenix, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this contest.
Chicago will turn to Justin Steele for the opening game. Steele has been impressive with a 2-3 record and a stellar 2.71 ERA. His recent performances have been particularly noteworthy; in his last two starts, he secured wins, including a dominant seven-inning outing against Baltimore where he allowed just three hits while striking out four in an 8-0 victory. Over the course of 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, conceding 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and striking out 81.
First baseman Michael Busch has also been a standout for the Cubs. In a recent doubleheader against St. Louis, Busch went 3-for-5 with a double in a narrow 5-4 loss in Game 2. His stellar series against Baltimore, where he went 8-for-15 with three doubles, one homer, and four RBI, illustrates his offensive prowess. For the season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historically, the Diamondbacks have the edge in the all-time series against the Cubs, leading 98-85. However, the Cubs hold a narrow advantage in games played at Wrigley Field with a 46-43 record. As both teams gear up for this critical series, all eyes will be on Wrigley Field, with the first pitch set for 2:20 p.m. ET.
In terms of betting odds, the Diamondbacks are slight favorites with a –119 money line, while the over/under is set at 7.5 runs. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see whether Arizona can continue their momentum or if Chicago will leverage their home-field advantage to secure vital wins.