Teams that wrapped up the first half of the season strong are set to collide on Friday as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Chicago Cubs in a highly anticipated three-game series at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Arizona Diamondbacks: A Thorn in the Side
The Arizona Diamondbacks, currently holding a 49-48 record, have positioned themselves second in the National League West. They carry noteworthy momentum into this series, having won eight of their last 12 games leading up to the All-Star break. The key to their success has been the stellar performance of second baseman Ketel Marte. Marte is boasting a .292 batting average, decorated with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored.
In an impressive display before the break, Marte went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. His track record against Chicago is equally notable. Over 30 career games, Marte is batting .278 with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBIs. His recent form is exceptional, having recorded five multi-hit games out of the last nine before the All-Star Game.
Supporting Marte’s efforts is left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has continued to find his stride with hits in nine of his past 10 games. Gurriel Jr. made headlines with a 2-for-5 performance including a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored on July 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Historically, he has been effective in his 12 career games against the Cubs, amassing two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs.
Pitching Duel: Nelson vs. Steele
Opening the series on the mound for Arizona will be Ryne Nelson, who enters with a 6-6 record and a 4.98 ERA. Nelson will be tasked with containing a Cubs lineup that has found its form, winning eight of their last 11 games.
The Chicago Cubs stand at 47-51, positioning them fifth in the NL Central and 3.5 games out of the Wild Card. Despite their standing, the Cubs have shown resilience and grit, a mirror of their late push in the first half.
Justin Steele takes the mound for the Cubs, coming off back-to-back victorious starts. Steele holds a 2-3 record with an impressive 2.71 ERA. His recent performance was nothing short of dominant, pitching seven innings and allowing just three hits while striking out four in an 8-0 victory against Baltimore on July 18. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has clocked 86.1 innings, allowed 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and struck out 81 batters.
Key Bats and Historical Context
Adding to the offensive lineup for Chicago is first baseman Michael Busch, who shone with a 3-for-5 showing, including a double in a 5-4 loss during the second game of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday. His recent series against Baltimore was a highlight as well, going 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBIs during the three-game sweep. Busch is hitting .271 for the season with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historically, the Diamondbacks have the upper hand in the matchup, leading the all-time series against the Cubs 98-85. However, Chicago has a slight edge in games played at Wrigley Field, boasting a 46-43 advantage.
With the first pitch set for 2:20 p.m. ET, the Diamondbacks are set as a –119 favorite on the money line, and Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs. In a clash that's too close to call, fans are poised for a thrilling start to the second half of the season as both teams strive to keep their momentum rolling.