As the Major League Baseball season resumes following the All-Star break, two teams that concluded the first half on an upswing will collide on Friday. The Arizona Diamondbacks will face the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Both teams have shown resurgence, setting the stage for an anticipated and competitive series.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Recent Performance
The Arizona Diamondbacks have climbed to a 49-48 record, placing them second in the National League West. Having won eight of their last 12 games before the All-Star break, the Diamondbacks have displayed a commendable fortitude. A key contributor to their success has been second baseman Ketel Marte, who is hitting an impressive .292. Marte’s stats include 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored. Notably, Marte had a standout game just before the break, going 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Marte’s prowess extends to his performances against the Cubs, against whom he holds a .278 average over 30 career games. His record features five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBIs. He also wrapped up the first half strong, notching five multi-hit games out of the last nine leading into the All-Star Game. Another significant player, left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., has hits in nine of his past 10 games, showcasing his consistent form. Gurriel Jr.'s memorable 2-for-5 performance on July 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers included a double, a homer, three RBIs, and two runs scored. In his 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel Jr. has amassed two doubles, two homers, and nine RBIs.
Diamondbacks' Pitching Strategy
Starting on the mound for Arizona in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson, who holds a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA. His performance will be crucial as the Diamondbacks face a determined Cubs lineup. With both teams having a lot on the line, Nelson’s ability to manage the games will be under keen observation.
Chicago Cubs’ Rising Fortunes
The Chicago Cubs, currently fifth in the NL Central with a 47-51 record, are fighting to close the gap in the Wild Card hunt, trailing by just 3.5 games. Their recent form is promising, as they have won eight of their last 11 games. The Cubs had an edge in their previous matchups against the Diamondbacks, winning two out of three games in Phoenix earlier this season.
Spotlight on Justin Steele
Chicago will send Justin Steele to the mound, aiming to continue his solid form. Steele, who has a 2-3 record with a commendable 2.71 ERA, has secured victories in his last two starts. His remarkable performance against Baltimore on July 18, where he pitched seven innings, allowed just three hits, and struck out four in an 8-0 win, underscores his current dominance. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, given up 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and struck out 81 batters, reinforcing his status as a reliable starter for the Cubs.
Michael Busch: A Dependable Asset
First baseman Michael Busch has also been delivering for the Cubs. His recent stats are noteworthy, going 3-for-5 with a double in a 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday. Additionally, Busch’s display in a three-game sweep at Baltimore where he went 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBIs, highlights his significance to the team’s offense. This season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historical Context
Historically, the Diamondbacks hold a slight advantage over the Cubs with an all-time series lead of 98-85. However, on their home turf, the Cubs hold a significant upper hand with a 46-43 record at Wrigley Field. The first pitch of this potentially thrilling series is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, with the Diamondbacks being a slight favorite on the money line at –119. Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs, indicating an evenly matched contest.
Both teams will be looking to carry forward their momentum as they lock horns, promising baseball fans an engaging and high-stakes series at the iconic Wrigley Field.