A Tale of Two Teams: Diamondbacks and Cubs Collide Post All-Star Break
The second half of the MLB season kicks off with an intriguing matchup as the Arizona Diamondbacks face the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Both teams are coming off an impressive run towards the All-Star break, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Currently, the Diamondbacks boast a 49-48 record, placing them second in the National League West. Arizona finished the first half on a high note, winning eight of their last 12 games. They are keen to maintain this momentum as they aim for a playoff berth.
Leading the charge for the Diamondbacks is second baseman Ketel Marte. Marte has been a consistent performer, batting .292 with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored. His stellar form continued into the break, highlighted by a 3-for-5 effort with a homer and four RBIs in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Marte's recent performance also includes five multi-hit games out of the last nine.
Historically, Marte has been formidable against the Cubs, batting .278 with five doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 14 RBIs across 30 career games. His contributions will be crucial if the Diamondbacks are to start the second half strongly.
Another key player for Arizona is left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Gurriel has been consistent, securing hits in nine of his past 10 games. On July 3, he showcased his prowess with a 2-for-5 performance, including a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel has collected two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs.
On the mound for Arizona in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson. With a 6-6 record and a 4.98 ERA, Nelson will be looking to provide a solid start and help his team secure a vital win.
Flipping the script, the Cubs find themselves with a 47-51 record, positioned fifth in the NL Central but only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card spot. The Cubs demonstrated their resilience by winning eight of their last 11 games, signaling a team that is still very much in contention.
Pitching for the Cubs will be Justin Steele, who brings a 2-3 record and an impressive 2.71 ERA to the game. Steele's recent outings have been noteworthy, with his last two starts resulting in wins. Most recently, Steele pitched seven innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four in an 8-0 victory against Baltimore on July 18. Over 14 starts this season, he has pitched 86.1 innings, surrendered 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and struck out 81.
The Cubs' offensive efforts will be spearheaded by first baseman Michael Busch, who has shown his capability with a 3-for-5 performance, including a double, in a 5-4 loss against St. Louis in Game 2 of a doubleheader last Saturday. Busch's form against Baltimore was particularly impressive, going 8-for-15 with three doubles, one home run, and four RBIs during a three-game sweep. This season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historically, the Diamondbacks have the upper hand against the Cubs, leading the all-time series 98-85. However, the Cubs hold a slight advantage at Wrigley Field, with a 46-43 record. The Diamondbacks are currently favored with a -119 money line, and Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs, signifying a potentially tight contest.
The first pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET, and as these two teams, each riding their recent successes, prepare to clash, fans can anticipate an electrifying series that could set the tone for the rest of their seasons.