Diamondbacks vs Cubs Prediction - MLB Picks 9/9/23

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs face off on Saturday in an MLB showdown at Wrigley Field. The Diamondbacks have won the first two games of this series. 

Can Arizona Hold onto a Playoff Spot? 

This Arizona team has been tested all season and the last couple of weeks of the season is going to be no different. The Diamondbacks are battling with the Cubs and three other teams for the last two wild card spots. This is a crucial series for the Diamondbacks. In the first game of this series the Diamondbacks scored six runs and they need to find offensive success again in this game. The Diamondbacks are averaging 4.7 runs while their pitching is giving up 4.8 runs per game. On the mound for the Diamondbacks will be Merrill Kelly who sits with an 11-6 record and an ERA of 3.32. 

Arizona Betting Trends

• The Diamondbacks have won four of their last five games as underdogs against the Cubs.
• The Diamondbacks have covered the run line in seven of their last eight day games against National League opponents.
• The Diamondbacks have led after 5 innings in four of their last six games as underdogs against National League opponents.
• The Diamondbacks have led after 3 innings in three of their last four games as road underdogs against NL Central opponents.
• The Diamondbacks have won the first inning in four of their last six games as underdogs against NL Central opponents.

Cubs Need Steele to be Good

On the mound for the Cubs will be Justin Steele and he sits with a 10-3 record and an ERA of 2.55. Over Steele’s last two starts he has gone 14 innings and given up eight hits and zero runs. If Steele is good here, the Cubs should have a great shot. The Cubs are averaging 5.09 runs while their pitching is giving up 4.04 runs per game. The pitching is ranked 14th but Steele has been one of the real strengths.