Arizona Diamondbacks vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions April 16th 2024

Cubs’ Michael Busch in pursuit of record book vs. Diamondbacks

As the Chicago Cubs continue their road trip with the second game of a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 16, 2024, all eyes are on Michael Busch. The rookie sensation, who joined the Cubs in a low-key trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been making headlines with a series of powerful performances. Tying the franchise record, Busch has hit home runs in five consecutive games, a streak he will be looking to extend in Phoenix.

Despite a rocky start for Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks, who holds a 0-2 record with a daunting 12.46 ERA this season, the team has shown resilience. Hendricks has struggled in his three starts, allowing significant runs and hits, yet the Cubs’ overall performance has kept them above .500, thanks in part to a robust offensive lineup batting a .241 team average and scoring 82 runs in 15 games.

Diamondbacks’ Balanced Attack

The Arizona Diamondbacks, matching up against the Cubs at home, bring their own competitive edge. With a .261 team batting average—one of the higher in the league—they have managed to score 89 runs and hit 17 homers. Their pitching staff has also held its own, achieving a respectable 3.84 team ERA.

Tommy Henry, set to start for Arizona, seeks his first win of the season. With a 5.79 ERA over his first three outings, Henry aims to improve his performance and help his team continue their recent success, having split their first 16 games of the season.

Key Matchup and Game Prediction

This game is not just a showcase of emerging talents like Busch but also a test of resilience for pitchers struggling to find their form. As Hendricks and Henry both look to overcome their early-season woes, the outcome may hinge on which pitcher manages to regain control and which lineup capitalizes most effectively on scoring opportunities.

With both teams displaying considerable offensive strengths, this matchup is poised to be a high-scoring affair, likely tilting in favor of the team that can leverage its batting prowess alongside timely pitching improvements.