As the second half of the MLB season kicks off, both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs look to maintain the momentum they gained before the All-Star break. The two teams are set to clash in a three-game series at Wrigley Field, starting on Friday, with both sides having demonstrated resilience and competence in recent games.
Arizona Diamondbacks Riding High
The Arizona Diamondbacks come into the series with a 49-48 record, positioning themselves second in the National League West. They managed to win eight of their last 12 games leading up to the break, thanks to significant contributions from key players.
Second baseman Ketel Marte has been a cornerstone of Arizona's offense, batting .292 while racking up 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored. His performance just before the break, including a 3-for-5 effort with a homer and four RBI in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, showcases his critical role in the lineup. Marte's consistency is evident as he had five multi-hit games out of the last nine before the All-Star Game.
Left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has also been a reliable force, accumulating hits in nine of his last ten games. His notable performance on July 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers saw him go 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored. Throughout his 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel Jr. has impressively tallied two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI.
The Diamondbacks will rely on Ryne Nelson for the series opener. Holding a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA, Nelson hopes to provide a strong start against a fairly balanced Chicago offense.
Chicago Cubs Eyeing a Wild Card
Sitting at 47-51, the Chicago Cubs are currently fifth in the NL Central but showcase a promising form as they remain 3.5 games out of the Wild Card. Winning eight of their last 11 games before the break, the Cubs display their grit and determination to stay in the playoff hunt.
In their previous series in Phoenix, the Cubs managed to take two out of three games from the Diamondbacks. Justin Steele will take the mound for Chicago in the opener. With a 2-3 record and an impressive 2.71 ERA, Steele has shown he can be a reliable option. His last two starts were wins, including a standout performance against Baltimore, where he pitched seven innings, allowing just three hits and striking out four in an 8-0 victory on July 18.
First baseman Michael Busch is another bright spot for the Cubs. Despite a 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday, Busch went 3-for-5 with a double. In a three-game sweep at Baltimore, he went 8-for-15 with three doubles, one homer, and four RBI. For the season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historical Context and Betting Odds
Historically, the Diamondbacks hold a slight edge over the Cubs in their all-time series, leading 98-85. However, at Wrigley Field, the narrative tilts slightly in favor of Chicago, with the Cubs leading 46-43 in games played at the historic venue. The first pitch for the series opener is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET.
In terms of betting odds, the Diamondbacks are seen as a slight favorite with a money line of –119, while the over/under is set at 7.5 runs. Both teams are looking to make a statement as they resume the race for playoff positions in their respective divisions.
While the Diamondbacks enjoy a marginally better record, the Cubs' recent run of form cannot be ignored. This series promises an exciting display of baseball as both teams aim to build on their pre-All-Star break performances. Fans can expect a competitive matchup that could very well set the tone for the remainder of the season.