The Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs, both teams finishing the first half of the season with momentum, are set to clash in a crucial three-game series at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. The Diamondbacks, holding a 49-48 record, sit second in the National League West, while the Cubs, at 47-51, find themselves fifth in the NL Central and just 3.5 games out of the Wild Card race.
Diamondbacks Riding Hot Streak
Arizona comes into this matchup having won eight of their last 12 games leading up to the All-Star break. Key to their success has been the performance of second baseman Ketel Marte. Batting .292, Marte has accumulated 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored. Recently, he demonstrated his value with a 3-for-5 batting effort, which included a homer and four RBI during an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the break. Over his last nine games leading into the break, Marte recorded five multi-hit performances, continuing to be a reliable offensive force.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has also been a significant contributor for Arizona. The left fielder boasts hits in nine of his past 10 games and had an impressive 2-for-5 showing, which included a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs on July 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Historically, Gurriel has been effective against the Cubs, with two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI in 12 career games.
On the pitching front, Ryne Nelson will take the mound for Arizona in the series opener. Nelson, with a 6-6 record and a 4.98 ERA, aims to provide a solid start to set the tone for the series. His performance will be crucial in a matchup where scoring could be pivotal.
Justin Steele Anchors Cubs
The Cubs, recently displaying strong form with eight wins in their last 11 games, will counter with Justin Steele. The left-hander carries a 2-3 record and a stellar 2.71 ERA into the game. Steele's recent outings have been impressive; his last two starts resulted in victories, including a dominant seven-inning performance against the Baltimore Orioles where he allowed just three hits and struck out four in an 8-0 win on July 18. Over the season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings across 14 starts, permitting 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and striking out 81 batters. His consistency will be essential as the Cubs look to make up ground in the Wild Card race.
Michael Busch has been a bright spot for the Cubs’ offense. The first baseman went 3-for-5 with a double in a recent 5-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. He was especially red-hot during a three-game sweep at Baltimore, going 8-for-15 with three doubles, one homer, and four RBI. Over 91 games this season, Busch is batting .271, with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored.
Series History and Betting Odds
Historically, the Diamondbacks hold the edge over the Cubs with a 98-85 lead in their all-time series, though the Cubs have been more successful at home, maintaining a 46-43 record at Wrigley Field. In their earlier meetings this season in Phoenix, Chicago took two out of three games, showcasing their competitiveness.
As the first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, oddsmakers have made the Diamondbacks a slight –119 favorite on the money line, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. This series promises to be an intriguing battle between two clubs striving to solidify their playoff aspirations as the second half of the season unfolds.