Opinion
3 min read

Cubs to Carve Up Diamondbacks: A Diamond in the Rough at Chase Field

As the Chicago Cubs prepare to face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an intriguing battle. The Cubs, coming off a decisive 5-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies on April 1st, showcased their prowess both on the mound and at bat. With a batting average of .281 and an impressive nine hits leading to five runs, they demonstrated that their lineup can deliver when it counts.


Mar 8, 2024; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Corbin Carroll (7) makes the running catch for an out against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The pitching staff was nothing short of stellar during that game. The bullpen's earned run average (ERA) stood at an immaculate 0.0 with a walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) of just 0.6667, indicating exceptional control and difficulty for opponents to get on base. Moreover, with a strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB) of 9.0 and opponent batting average (OBA) held to a mere .097 overall, it's clear that Cubs pitchers are dominating hitters with precision.


However, not all recent games have been as favorable for the Cubs. Their encounter with the Texas Rangers on March 31st exposed some vulnerabilities in both offense and defense as they suffered a loss with nine runs against them while only securing two themselves – despite accumulating twelve hits during that game.


Mar 8, 2024; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) gets hit with the pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Yet there is reason for optimism as we look ahead to their next challenge against Arizona; particularly when considering how well-rounded their performance was in another recent match-up where they outscored Texas Rangers by nine runs while racking up twelve hits once again.


The key takeaway from these past performances is consistency – something which will be crucial if they wish to overcome Arizona's home-field advantage this time around. It will be essential for batters like those who stepped up during their last win – contributing eight runs batted in (RBI), including four RBI from situations with two outs – to maintain pressure throughout each inning.


Mar 8, 2024; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) fakes out Chicago Cubs left fielder Owen Caissie (78) in the third inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Defensively speaking, minimizing errors will also play an integral role; especially given how even one error proved costly in previous outings where unearned runs contributed significantly towards defeats or narrow victories alike.


In conclusion, if recent history serves as any indicator then fans should expect another strong showing from Chicago’s beloved team come April 17th at Chase Field starting at 1:40 AM local time (Phoenix). For those unable or unwillingly brave enough not venture into late-night territory - fear not! You can catch all action live via MLB Network right comfort your own home!

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