Teams that wrapped up the first half of the season on a high note square off this Friday as the Arizona Diamondbacks clash with the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at the historic Wrigley Field. Both teams are riding hot streaks and are poised to make a strong push in the second half of the season.
Diamondbacks' Recent Surge
Entering the All-Star break, the Arizona Diamondbacks were flying high, having won eight of their last twelve games. With a record of 49-48, they currently hold the second spot in the National League West. A key contributor to their recent success has been second baseman Ketel Marte. Marte is enjoying an impressive season, boasting a .292 batting average with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored. Just before the break, he had a stellar performance against the Toronto Blue Jays, going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs, though the Diamondbacks fell short 8-7. His record against the Cubs is notable too; in 30 career games, he’s batting .278 with five doubles, one triple, and five homers.
Adding to Arizona's offensive prowess, left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has been consistent at the plate. Gurriel has hits in nine of his past ten games and delivered a standout performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3, going 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored. In his 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel has amassed two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs.
On the mound for the series opener, the Diamondbacks will rely on Ryne Nelson. With a 6-6 record and a 4.98 ERA, Nelson will look to provide a solid start and keep the momentum going for Arizona.
Cubs' Recent Form
The Chicago Cubs have also been impressive, finishing the first half with a record of 47-51, currently standing fifth in the NL Central. They’ve shown resilience and tenacity, winning eight of their last eleven games and are just 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. The previous series against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix saw the Cubs taking two out of three games, hinting at an enticing rematch at Wrigley Field.
Justin Steele will take the mound for Chicago. Steele has been a bright spot in the Cubs' rotation, holding a 2-3 record with an impressive 2.71 ERA. His last two starts were commanding wins, including a seven-inning masterpiece against the Baltimore Orioles, where he allowed just three hits and struck out four in an 8-0 victory. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, allowing 64 hits, 26 earned runs, and walking 18 batters while striking out 81.
Players to Watch
First baseman Michael Busch has been making waves for the Cubs. In a 5-4 loss to St. Louis during a doubleheader last Saturday, Busch went 3-for-5 with a double. His series against Baltimore was particularly exemplary, going 8-for-15 with three doubles, a homer, and four RBIs. This season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historically, the Diamondbacks have had an edge over the Cubs, leading the all-time series 98-85. However, when games are played at Wrigley Field, the Cubs hold a slight advantage with a 46-43 record.
The Matchup
As the first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their recent form. The Diamondbacks enter the matchup as a slight favorite with a –119 line, and Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs. Fans can expect a competitive and electrifying series as both teams aim to solidify their standings and make a strong bid for the postseason.