The sizzling Arizona Diamondbacks bring their five-game winning streak to Wrigley Field on Friday as they open a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs in what promises to be an offensive showcase between two of the National League's most powerful lineups.
Arizona enters the matchup riding high after completing a three-game sweep of the Marlins, continuing an impressive offensive surge that has seen them score at least five runs in each victory during their current streak. The Diamondbacks have outscored opponents 32-16 during this stretch, cementing their status as one of baseball's most formidable offenses.
The Cubs, despite going just 3-4 in their last seven games and recently dropping a series to the Padres, remain the National League's highest-scoring team, averaging 5.90 runs per game. Arizona sits close behind at 5.47 runs per contest. Both clubs have demonstrated significant power, with Chicago belting 27 home runs in 21 games and the Diamondbacks launching 26 in 19 outings.
Friday's pitching matchup features Corbin Burnes (0-1, 5.28 ERA) for Arizona against Chicago's Colin Rea. Burnes, still seeking his first win of the season, went six innings in his last start, allowing three earned runs in an eventual 5-4 victory over Milwaukee. Rea makes his second consecutive start after beginning the season with three relief appearances.
Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll enters the series on a tear, collecting hits in 13 of 15 April games while batting .339 for the month. For Chicago, designated hitter Seiya Suzuki has been equally impressive, hitting .359 in 11 April appearances with three homers and 12 RBIs, including multi-hit performances in his last three home games.
According to Statbet analysis, this matchup features two of the most productive road and home offenses respectively, with Arizona averaging 5.89 runs away from home while Chicago scores 6.0 runs per game at Wrigley Field.
The teams previously split a four-game series in Arizona at the end of March, with three of those contests seeing combined run totals of 11 or more. Given both teams' offensive capabilities, Friday's series opener could well set the tone for another high-scoring battle between these National League contenders.
