The Chicago Cubs head to Chase Field on Monday, August 24, for a 9:40 PM ET showdown with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kevin Gausman gets the ball for Chicago against Arizona's Merrill Kelly in what shapes up as a quality pitching matchup in the desert. The game airs on Marquee Sports Network for Cubs fans back home, with radio coverage on 104.3 The Score. With the regular season winding toward its final weeks, every game in the standings carries real weight, and the Cubs need to show they can win on the road against a capable opponent.
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks Pitching Matchup: Gausman vs. Kelly
Kevin Gausman is a seasoned veteran with a diverse arsenal — a split-finger fastball that has given right-handed hitters fits throughout his career. The Cubs acquired him to be a reliable, inning-eating presence at the top of the rotation, and tonight is exactly the kind of spot where Chicago needs a strong outing. Road starts in a hitter-friendly environment like Chase Field demand focus and pitch efficiency, and Gausman has the experience to deliver both.
On the other side, Merrill Kelly is not a pitcher you want to overlook. He attacks the strike zone, limits walks, and keeps his pitch counts manageable enough to go deep into games. The Diamondbacks will lean on Kelly to keep the Cubs lineup off-balance and give Arizona a chance to steal a win at home. This is a matchup between two pitchers who earn their outs — expect a tight, low-scoring affair if both are on their game.
Keys to Watch in Monday's Cubs-Diamondbacks Game
- Gausman's command early: Chase Field plays fast when pitchers leave pitches over the middle of the plate. If Gausman establishes his split-finger early and keeps the Diamondbacks guessing, the Cubs have a genuine shot at a quality start.
- Cubs offense against Kelly: Kelly is the type of pitcher who frustrates lineups that chase. The Cubs need disciplined at-bats, work counts, and look to make him throw strikes rather than expanding the zone.
- Bullpen depth: Late-inning situations on the road are where games are lost or saved. How Chicago manages its bullpen arms after Gausman exits will be critical, especially if the game remains close into the seventh or eighth inning.
- Chase Field dimensions: The retractable-roof stadium plays differently depending on conditions. The Cubs' power hitters need to be ready to do damage when pitches are left in the zone — one swing can change the game.
Cubs at Diamondbacks Prediction
This one hinges almost entirely on what Gausman brings to the mound. If he's commanding his split-finger and working both sides of the plate, the Cubs have enough offense to scratch out a lead and make it stick. Kelly is a legitimate challenge, but Chicago's lineup has the depth to work through a tough start and find cracks late.
The Cubs have to prove they can handle road games against quality pitching, and this is a fair test on both counts. Expect a game decided by two or three runs at most. Cubs win, 3-2, on the back of a solid Gausman outing and timely hitting from the middle of the order. Tune in on Marquee Sports Network at 9:40 PM ET.
