Teams Set for Tight Battle as Diamondbacks Visit Cubs
On Friday, fans will be treated to a showdown between two determined teams as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Both squads have shown vigor and resilience in recent games, making this series a much-anticipated affair.
The Arizona Diamondbacks enter the series with a 49-48 record, placing them second in the National League West. They’ve been performing impressively, winning eight of their last 12 contests heading into the All-Star break. Key to their recent success is second baseman Ketel Marte, who boasts a .292 batting average, complemented by 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored. Marte was in stellar form just before the break, going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. His track record against Chicago is promising as well, batting .278 with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBI in 30 career games against the Cubs.
Another standout for the Diamondbacks has been left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has hits in nine of his past ten games. His recent 2-for-5 performance, which included a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3, speaks volumes about his current form. Over his 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel Jr. has tallied two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI.
On the mound for Arizona in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson. The pitcher holds a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA, and the Diamondbacks will be counting on him to maintain consistency against a Cubs lineup that has found its groove lately.
For the Chicago Cubs, currently sitting at a 47-51 record and fifth in the NL Central, this series presents an opportunity to cut into their 3.5-game deficit in the Wild Card race. The Cubs have shown they can compete, winning eight of their last 11 games, including taking two out of three games against the Diamondbacks in an earlier series in Phoenix. Pitching for the Cubs will be Justin Steele, who has posted a 2-3 record and a stellar 2.71 ERA. Notably, Steele has won his last two starts, including a dominant seven-inning performance against Baltimore on July 18, where he allowed just three hits and struck out four in an 8-0 victory.
Cubs’ first baseman Michael Busch continues to be a reliable contributor. He went 3-for-5 with a double in a recent 5-4 loss to St. Louis, following an impressive eight hits in 15 at-bats (.533) with 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 home runs, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historically, the Diamondbacks lead the all-time series against the Cubs 98-85. However, the Cubs hold a narrow advantage at Wrigley Field with a 46-43 record. The series opener, set for 2:20 p.m. ET, will be closely watched as both teams aim to carry their first-half momentum into the latter part of the season. Vegas odds favor the Diamondbacks slightly with a –119 line, and the over/under is set at 7.5 runs, indicating anticipation of a competitive and high-stakes game.
Both teams are vying for more than just a series win; they’re fighting to establish their place in the challenging playoff race ahead. With strong performances from key players, the stage is set for an engrossing series that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons.