The Chicago Cubs host the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, July 21, with first pitch scheduled for 8:05 PM ET. David Peterson gets the ball for Chicago against Detroit's Framber Valdez in what shapes up as a genuine pitching duel under the Wrigley lights. With the Cubs sending out a loaded lineup top to bottom, this is the kind of mid-July home game that can define a season's direction. Catch it on Marquee Sports Network or listen on 104.3 The Score.

Starting Pitching Matchup: Peterson vs. Valdez

David Peterson draws the start for the Cubs. The left-hander will need to be sharp against a Tigers lineup that, while not loaded with household names one through nine, is capable of stringing together damage. Peterson's command and ability to work efficiently through Detroit's lineup early will be the primary thing to watch on the Cubs' side.

Framber Valdez is a different kind of problem for Chicago's hitters. The sinker-heavy right-hander is the kind of pitcher who can make even disciplined lineups beat the ball into the dirt all night. The Cubs will need to stay patient, work counts, and look for pitches elevated in the zone if they want to do real damage against him.

Cubs Lineup: Plenty of Firepower from Top to Bottom

Manager David Ross is sending out a formidable group Tuesday night. Here is how the Cubs line up:

• Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
• Seiya Suzuki, DH
• Alex Bregman, 3B
• Carson Kelly, C
• Michael Busch, 1B
• Nico Hoerner, 2B
• Ian Happ, LF
• Dansby Swanson, SS
• Kevin Alcántara, RF

Crow-Armstrong leading off gives Chicago a dynamic, athletic presence at the top. Bregman hitting third is the kind of professional at-bat machine who makes Valdez work. And do not overlook Kevin Alcántara hitting ninth — the young outfielder has the raw tools to turn a lineup over in a big way if he gets his pitch.

Tigers Lineup: A Rebuilt Detroit Club Looking to Make Noise

Detroit counters with a lineup anchored by Gleyber Torres at the top and Riley Greene in the five-hole. Spencer Torkelson at first base is always a threat for a big fly at Wrigley, where the wind can do unexpected things on a July night. The Tigers are also rolling out some younger pieces — Kevin McGonigle at shortstop and Ben Malgeri in right — so Peterson will want to attack the bottom third and keep the lineup from turning over into Torres and the top again.

Keys to Watch

• Can Peterson limit hard contact against a Tigers lineup that makes you work for every out?
• How do the Cubs' hitters approach Valdez's sinker — patience and pitch selection will be critical.
• Watch Alcántara in the nine-hole. A breakout performance from the bottom of the order can change the complexion of a tight game fast.
• Wrigley Field wind conditions at first pitch — a July night at Clark and Addison can turn a pitcher's duel into a slugfest in a hurry.

Prediction

This one has the feel of a low-scoring grind. Valdez is the kind of arm who keeps games tight, and if Peterson matches him early, we could be looking at a 2-1 or 3-2 game deep into the seventh. The Cubs' lineup has enough quality in the middle — Bregman, Kelly, Busch — to scratch out the runs they need at home. Give the edge to Chicago. Cubs win, 3-2.