Teams that finished the first half of the season on a high note are set to clash as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field in Chicago. With both teams eager to maintain their momentum, the series promises to deliver some exciting baseball action.
Arizona's Strong Standings
The Arizona Diamondbacks, holding a 49-48 record, have positioned themselves second in the National League West. They surged towards the All-Star break winning eight of their last 12 games, signaling strong form and determination.
Second baseman Ketel Marte has been instrumental for Arizona, boasting a .292 batting average with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored. Marte had an impressive performance just before the break, going 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBI in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Historically, Marte has also shown solid performance against the Cubs, batting .278 with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBI in 30 career games.
Another key player, left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., enters the series on a hot streak with hits in nine of his past 10 games. On July 3, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gurriel had a standout game, going 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored. His career stats against the Cubs are notable as well, with two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI in 12 games.
Taking the mound for Arizona in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson. Nelson holds a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA, aiming to provide a strong start and keep the Cubs' lineup at bay.
Cubs' Climbs and Challenges
On the other side, the Chicago Cubs have found themselves in a more challenging position with a 47-51 record, placing them fifth in the NL Central. Despite this, they remain just 3.5 games out of the Wild Card, showing their potential to make a push in the second half of the season.
The Cubs have demonstrated resilience, winning eight of their last 11 games. In their previous face-off against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix, the Cubs managed to take two out of three games, which serves as an encouraging sign heading into this series.
Starting for the Cubs is Justin Steele, who brings a 2-3 record and a stellar 2.71 ERA to the mound. Steele's recent form has been impressive, with wins in his last two starts, including a dominant seven-inning performance where he allowed just three hits while striking out four in an 8-0 victory against Baltimore on July 18. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, conceding 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and striking out 81.
Players to Watch
First baseman Michael Busch is another player to keep an eye on for the Cubs. Busch went 3-for-5 with a double in a 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday. Furthermore, during a three-game sweep at Baltimore, Busch excelled, going 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, a homer, and four RBI. This season, he has registered a .271 batting average with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historical Context
Historically, the Diamondbacks have had a slight upper hand in the all-time series against the Cubs, leading 98-85. However, the Cubs have a 46-43 advantage in games played at Wrigley Field, which could offer a psychological edge as they play on home turf.
As the Diamondbacks arrive as the favored team with a –119 money line and the over/under set at 7.5 runs, the series opener, scheduled for a 2:20 p.m. ET first pitch, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams eager to continue their winning ways.
Baseball fans can look forward to a riveting series, with both squads showcasing their talent, depth, and determination as they vie for crucial wins in the second half of the season.