The stage is set for an exciting clash this afternoon at Wrigley Field, as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Chicago Cubs at 2:20 PM ET. This matchup promises to be a battle of grit and determination, with both teams eager to gain some ground in their respective divisions.
The Diamondbacks enter the game as slight money line favorites at -106. After a narrow 8-7 defeat to the Blue Jays, where they managed to squander a seven-run lead, the team will be looking to rectify their mistakes and secure a win. Despite their recent setback, Arizona has shown resilience, winning two straight road games and boasting a 4-1 record in their last five away games. Currently second in the NL West and trailing the Dodgers by seven games, the Diamondbacks have a 49-48 overall record and need every win they can get to stay in the playoff hunt.
Pitching Matchup
Pitching duties for today's game will see Justin Steele on the mound for the Cubs. Steele, who has made 14 starts this season, holds a 2-3 record with an impressive 2.71 ERA. His performance has been particularly notable, with eight quality starts under his belt. In his most recent outing, Steele dominated the opposition, pitching seven scoreless innings. At home, he maintains a 3.16 ERA, slightly higher than his 2.96 road ERA, but no less formidable.
Opposing Steele is Ryne Nelson for the Diamondbacks. Nelson comes into the game with a 6-6 record and a 4.99 ERA. Although his numbers might not stand out, Nelson has been dependable, delivering six consecutive starts without allowing more than three earned runs. However, he will need to tighten up his control as evidenced by his 1.42 WHIP and a .296 batting average against.
Team Performances
Arizona's offense has been a powerhouse, averaging five runs per game, the second-best mark in MLB. Highlighting their potent lineup are Christian Walker and Ketel Marte, with 22 and 19 homers respectively. Their offensive prowess will be crucial in supporting Nelson and overcoming the Cubs' challenge.
The Cubs, on the other hand, have been in a less favorable position, sitting fifth in the NL Central with a 47-51 record, 8.5 games behind the Brewers. Despite their standing, the Cubs are not to be underestimated. They have gone 7-3 in their last ten games and hold a strong 4-1 record in their last five home games. Their ability to perform as home underdogs, evidenced by a 9-5 record, could play a pivotal role in today's contest.
Recent Highlights
Recent performances from key players show a glimpse of what fans can expect. Nico Hoerner has been on fire, batting .378 over his last nine games, while Christopher Morel has smashed three homers in his last eight games. This hit streak is something the Cubs will look to extend, pushing their average of 4.2 runs per game higher. Their overall team batting average sits at .235, which is an area needing improvement if they hope to outslug the Diamondbacks.
Betting Insights
The over/under line for the game is set at 7.5 runs, a figure both teams have frequently surpassed. Arizona games average 9.8 runs this season, and 84.5% of their games surpass the 7.5 run line. They also hold a 6-4 record when the over/under is set at this mark. The Cubs are not far behind, with 67.3% of their games surpassing the 7.5 run line and a 12-10 record in those instances.
Projections for individual performances suggest Justin Steele is anticipated to notch around six strikeouts today, while Ryne Nelson is forecasted for four. Steele is also expected to concede fewer runs than Nelson, which could be a decisive factor for the Cubs' chances.
Predictions lean towards a narrow victory for the Diamondbacks, with a scoreline of 5-4 likely. As both teams ride three-game over streaks, fans can expect an action-packed and closely contested encounter.
With all eyes on Wrigley Field, today's game is poised to be a thrilling chapter in the 2023 MLB season. Both teams have a lot at stake, and the performance of their starting pitchers could very well be the deciding factor in this afternoon's showdown.