Cubs' Ian Happ and Diamondbacks Prepare for a Thrilling Showdown at Wrigley Field

As the Chicago Cubs gear up to face the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter. With both teams showcasing impressive performances in recent games, this matchup promises to be an exciting display of baseball prowess.

Key Players to Watch

For the Cubs, outfielder Ian Happ has been a standout performer. Over the last three games, Happ has consistently delivered with his bat, boasting an impressive .600 batting average and a remarkable 1.8 OPS. His ability to drive in runs was evident in the game against the Padres on April 16th, where he recorded four RBIs. Happ's consistent performance makes him a key player to watch as he looks to maintain his form against the Diamondbacks.

Another notable mention from the Cubs is center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. With an average of .500 and an OPS of 1.35 in recent outings, Crow-Armstrong has been crucial in setting up scoring opportunities for his team. His fielding prowess adds another layer of reliability for the Cubs' defense.

On the pitching front, Brad Keller has been exceptional for Chicago. In his recent appearance against the Diamondbacks on April 18th, Keller maintained a perfect ERA and WHIP while striking out batters at an impressive rate of 18 K/9 innings. His control on the mound will be vital for the Cubs as they aim to stifle Arizona's batting lineup.

Diamondbacks' Top Performers

The Diamondbacks also bring formidable talent into this matchup. Outfielder Pavin Smith has been in fine form with a .500 batting average and an OPS of 2.8 over his last three games. Smith's ability to get on base and drive in runs makes him a significant threat that Chicago's pitchers will need to manage carefully.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr., another key player for Arizona, showcased his hitting capabilities with three RBIs and a .400 average against Chicago on April 18th. Gurriel's power at bat can turn any game around quickly if not contained effectively by opposing pitchers.

In terms of pitching strength, Corbin Burnes stands out for Arizona with a solid ERA of 3.0 and WHIP of 1.0 across recent appearances. His ability to keep hitters off balance will be crucial if Arizona aims to limit Chicago’s offensive output.

As these two teams prepare for their clash at Wrigley Field on April 20th at 2:20 PM EDT, broadcasted live on ARID network, fans can expect an engaging battle between top talents from both sides. Whether it's Ian Happ leading Chicago’s charge or Pavin Smith anchoring Arizona’s offense, this game promises high stakes action that no baseball enthusiast should miss.

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