Teams that wrapped up the first half of the season with considerable momentum are set to collide on Friday, as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Chicago Cubs for a three-game series at Wrigley Field. This face-off holds significant implications for both clubs eyeing postseason aspirations.
Diamondbacks' Rising Fortunes
Arizona enters the series with a 49-48 record, placing them second in the competitive National League West. The Diamondbacks made a strong push before the All-Star break by winning eight of their last 12 games, showcasing their rising form.
A pivotal figure in their resurgence is second baseman Ketel Marte. Batting at .292, Marte's stats include 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored. His recent performance against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs, underscores his critical role in the team. Over his career, Marte has shown a proclivity for performing against the Cubs, boasting a .278 batting average along with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBIs in 30 games.
Left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has also been impressive, accumulating hits in nine of his past ten games. His standout game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3 saw him go 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored. In 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel Jr. has amassed two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs, making him another player to watch this series.
Arizona's pitching for the series opener will be led by Ryne Nelson, who holds a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA. Nelson’s performance could be pivotal in setting the tone for the Diamondbacks in this series.
Cubs' Determined Push
The Chicago Cubs, currently holding a 47-51 record, find themselves fifth in the NL Central. However, they are just 3.5 games out of the Wild Card, keeping their postseason hopes very much alive. The Cubs rallied commendably before the break, winning eight of their last eleven games, which speaks volumes of their resilience and determination.
Recent head-to-head matchups suggest the Cubs can hold their own against Arizona, having won two out of three games in their earlier meetings in Phoenix.
The Cubs will entrust Justin Steele with the starting pitching duties. Steele comes into the game with a 2-3 record and an impressive 2.71 ERA. His recent form is telling, having won his last two starts. Steele's most recent outing against Baltimore was a masterpiece, as he pitched seven innings, conceded just three hits, and struck out four in an 8-0 victory. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, allowed 64 hits, 26 earned runs, issued 18 walks, and struck out 81, showcasing his reliability on the mound.
Key Players to Watch
Among the Cubs' key players is first baseman Michael Busch. Busch recently went 3-for-5 with a double in a 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday. His hot streak continued with an 8-for-15 (.533) performance featuring three doubles, one homer, and four RBIs during a three-game sweep at Baltimore. This season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historical Context
In historical matchups, the Diamondbacks have a slight edge over the Cubs, leading the all-time series 98-85. However, the Cubs hold a 46-43 advantage in games played at Wrigley Field, adding an intriguing dimension to this series.
The first pitch for the series opener is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET. The Diamondbacks are marginal favorites on the money line at –119, with Vegas setting the over/under at 7.5 runs. This series promises to be an exciting chapter in the ongoing rivalry between these two teams and could set the stage for critical developments in the race towards the postseason.