Teams that finished the first half of the season on a bit of a roll clash this Friday as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field in Chicago. This series features two teams hungry to solidify their standings as the playoff race intensifies.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Gearing Up for the Second Half
The Diamondbacks, currently holding a 49-48 record, find themselves sitting in second place in the National League West. The squad rode a wave of momentum into the All-Star break, winning eight of their last 12 games. Central to this success has been the standout performance of second baseman Ketel Marte. Marte, who boasts a .292 batting average, has impressed with 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 64 runs scored.
In a thrilling 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the All-Star break, Marte went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs, showcasing his vital role in the Diamondbacks' lineup. He also had five multi-hit games out of the last nine going into the break, underscoring his consistency. Marte's history against the Cubs is notable, too. Over 30 career games, he has hit .278 with five doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 14 RBIs.
Contributing significantly to the D-backs' offensive punch is left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Gurriel has collected hits in nine of his past 10 games, including a 2-for-5 outing with a double, a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3. Against the Cubs, in his 12 career games, he has two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs, adding another layer of threat to Arizona's attack.
On the mound for the Diamondbacks in the series opener will be Ryne Nelson. With a 6-6 record and a 4.98 ERA, Nelson will look to give Arizona a strong start. His performance will be crucial as the team seeks to maintain its position in the competitive NL West.
Chicago Cubs: Fighting for a Wild Card Spot
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs, who stand at 47-51, currently occupy fifth place in the NL Central. However, they remain only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Cubs have shown resilience, winning eight of their last 11 games, a stretch that highlights their form and grit.
Pitching for Chicago in the opener will be Justin Steele. Steele, who holds a 2-3 record with an impressive 2.71 ERA, has been a bright spot for the Cubs. His last two starts resulted in victories, including a commanding performance against the Baltimore Orioles on July 18, where he pitched seven innings, allowed just three hits, and struck out four in an 8-0 shutout. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, allowed 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and struck out 81, demonstrating his ability to keep opposing hitters at bay.
First baseman Michael Busch has been another key player for Chicago. In Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday, he went 3-for-5 with a double. During a three-game sweep at Baltimore, Busch went 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBIs. This season, he is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 46 runs scored over 91 games, providing a consistent offensive presence for the Cubs.
Historically, the Diamondbacks lead the all-time series against the Cubs with a 98-85 record. However, the Cubs hold a 46-43 advantage in games played at their iconic home, Wrigley Field. As fans gear up for this pivotal series, the stakes are clear, and both teams have a lot to play for.
The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. With the Diamondbacks favored at –119 on the money line and Vegas setting the over/under at 7.5 runs, this matchup promises to be a thrilling start to the second half of the season for both teams.