Teams that finished the first half of the season on a strong note are set to collide as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Chicago Cubs for a three-game series at Wrigley Field.
Diamondbacks’ Season So Far
Arizona enters the series with a 49-48 record, positioning them second in the National League West. The Diamondbacks have been riding a wave of momentum, winning eight of their last 12 games before the All-Star break. Second baseman Ketel Marte has been instrumental to the team’s recent success. Marte, who boasts a .292 batting average, has chalked up 19 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 64 runs scored this season.
Marte's offensive prowess was on display in an 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the All-Star break, where he went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBI. The second baseman has also enjoyed success against the Cubs, batting .278 with five doubles, one triple, five homers, and 14 RBI over 30 career games. His five multi-hit games out of the last nine highlight his consistency leading into the break.
Supporting Cast and Pitching
Left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has been another key player for Arizona, registering hits in nine of his past 10 games. His performance on July 3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored, stands out. Over 12 career games against the Cubs, Gurriel has two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI.
The Diamondbacks will have Ryne Nelson on the mound for the series opener. Nelson holds a 6-6 record with a 4.98 ERA, and his performance will be crucial in setting the tone for the series.
Cubs’ Midseason Form
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have a 47-51 record and find themselves fifth in the NL Central, 3.5 games out of the Wild Card. The Cubs have demonstrated resilience by winning eight of their last 11 games. Earlier this season, they managed to take two out of three games against Arizona in Phoenix.
Key Performers for the Cubs
Pitching for the Cubs will be Justin Steele, who carries a 2-3 record with an impressive 2.71 ERA. Steele's last two starts were victories, showcasing his strong form. In an 8-0 win against Baltimore on July 18, he pitched seven innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four. Over 14 starts this season, Steele has pitched 86.1 innings, allowed 64 hits, 26 earned runs, 18 walks, and struck out 81.
First baseman Michael Busch has also been a standout performer for Chicago. Busch went 3-for-5 with a double in a 5-4 loss in Game 2 of a doubleheader against St. Louis last Saturday. His performance during a three-game sweep at Baltimore, where he went 8-for-15 (.533) with three doubles, one homer, and four RBI, underscores his impact. This season, Busch is batting .271 with 19 doubles, one triple, 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 46 runs scored over 91 games.
Historical Context
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 Wrigley Field. With both teams showing grit and determination, this series promises to be a closely contested battle.
The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, with the Diamondbacks being slight favorites. The money line has Arizona at –119, and Vegas has set the over/under at 7.5 runs.
As the Diamondbacks and Cubs brace for an exciting series, fans are sure to witness a blend of strategic pitching, powerful batting, and competitive spirit. Whether it’s Marte’s clutch hits, Gurriel’s consistency, or Steele’s dominance on the mound, this matchup has all the ingredients for an enthralling spectacle.