The Chicago Cubs head to Chase Field on Monday, August 24, for a late-night desert showdown against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with first pitch set for 9:40 PM ET. Kevin Gausman gets the ball for Chicago against Arizona's Merrill Kelly in what shapes up as a quality pitching duel. With the regular season entering its final stretch, every road win matters, and the Cubs need to take care of business against a Diamondbacks lineup that has gotten a significant makeover with recognizable names sprinkled throughout the order.

Cubs vs. Diamondbacks Starting Pitchers: Gausman vs. Kelly

Kevin Gausman is Chicago's man on the hill tonight, and when he's on, he's one of the most reliable arms the Cubs can put out there. Gausman's ability to command multiple pitches and generate weak contact gives the Cubs a legitimate chance to keep the Arizona offense in check across six or seven innings. The assignment doesn't get easier facing a desert crowd in a domed ballpark that can get loud in a hurry, but Gausman has handled big moments before.

On the other side, Merrill Kelly is a veteran who knows how to work a lineup. Kelly doesn't overpower hitters, but he competes deep into games and limits the kind of damaging innings that can sink a team on the road. The Cubs' offense will need to be patient, work counts, and avoid the roll-over grounders Kelly tends to induce early in at-bats.

Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup to Watch

Arizona is rolling out a lineup with several intriguing pieces. Lars Nootbaar leads off at DH, followed by Corbin Carroll in right — Carroll is a legitimate threat who can hurt you with his legs and his bat. Gabriel Moreno bats third and handles the catching duties, with Geraldo Perdomo slotted cleanup. Max Kepler is in left, and — notably — Nolan Arenado is in the order at third base. Tim Tawa, Ildemaro Vargas, and Ryan Waldschmidt round out the bottom third. This is not a lineup the Cubs can take lightly from top to bottom.

Keys to the Game for the Chicago Cubs

• Control Corbin Carroll. Carroll in the two-hole is a problem. He can set the table, steal a base, or put one in the seats. Gausman needs to be sharp when Carroll steps in.
• Don't let Arenado beat you. Nolan Arenado batting sixth means there could be runners on base when he comes up. A veteran hitter in that situation is dangerous. The Cubs' defense needs to be locked in as well — Arenado can hurt you in multiple ways.
• Get to Kelly early. The Cubs can't afford to fall behind and spend the whole night chasing. If the lineup can string together quality at-bats in the first two innings, it changes the entire complexion of the game.
• Bullpen management. A 9:40 PM ET first pitch in a climate-controlled Chase Field means this is a grind-it-out late night on the road. Gausman going deep into the game keeps the bullpen fresh and gives Chicago the best chance to win.

Cubs at Diamondbacks Prediction

This one figures to be a tight, low-scoring game defined by starting pitching. Gausman giving the Cubs six-plus solid innings is the most likely path to a Cubs win. The Arizona lineup has pop and versatility, so Chicago can't afford defensive miscues or walks that put runners in motion for Carroll or Arenado. If Gausman is sharp and the Cubs scratch across two or three runs against Kelly, this is winnable. Expect a close game decided late. Cubs 4, Diamondbacks 3.

Catch the game on Marquee Sports Network or listen on 104.3 The Score.