The first two games of this series featured offense in spades, with 27 runs being scored in aggregate.
My Cubs vs. Diamondbacks predictions expect the bats to continue shining Saturday night, with Nico Hoerner and Jake McCarthy making some noise along the way.
Let’s take a closer look with my MLB picks for March 29.
Cubs vs Diamondbacks prediction
My Cubs vs Diamondbacks best bet: Nico Hoerner Over 0.5 singles (-140 at Bet365)
Nico Hoerner was a singles machine a season ago. He finished tied for 12th in the majors with 112 singles and recorded at least one in 59% of his games.
His hit rate was actually much higher away from Wrigley Field. Hoerner hit a single in only 53% of his games in Chicago but in 65% of away games.
He has picked up where he left off last season, picking up a pair of singles over his first two games in Arizona.
I like his chances of getting another on Saturday night. He profiles very well against right-handed Brandon Pfaadt and his pitching arsenal.
Pfaadt relied on his fastball heavily a season ago, throwing it more than 55% of the time. Hoerner posted a 3.2% whiff rate and 9.3 K% against fastballs last year.
Numbers like that are par for the course for Hoerner. Of projected Chicago Cubs starters in this game, Hoerner posted the lowest ISO, lowest K%, and one of the lowest walk rates against righties a season ago.
There isn’t much power in his game, he doesn’t draw a ton of free passes, and he doesn’t strikeout. His game is all about contact and putting the ball in play, which leads to plenty of singles.
We’ve seen that translate in head-to-head matchups as well. Hoerner has struck out just once through 12 ABs against Pfaadt in his career and is yet to record an extra base hit. His successful plate appearances were singles.
Look for that trend to continue this time around.
Cubs vs Diamondbacks same-game parlay (SGP)
Nico Hoerner Over 0.5 singles
Jake McCarthy Over 0.5 singles
Jake McCarthy Over 0.5 runs
McCarthy finished last season with 32 singles over his final 30 games in Arizona, recording at least one in 63% of them.
While he loses some power in the lefty-on-lefty matchup against Shota Imanaga, that’s not a bad thing for our single chances. His average against lefties last year was also nearly identical to righties. He strung hits together very effectively vs. pitchers of both handedness.
If he’s going to continue living on the basepaths, I like his chances of plating a run. He hits near the bottom of the Arizona Diamondbacks lineup, which means a lefty smasher like Ketel Marte is not far behind him when he gets on base.
Not to mention, McCarthy’s speed makes him a big time threat on the basepaths. He can score on hits other players can’t – he also has the ability to steal bases and increase the odds he can cash in.
Arizona is one of the best left-handed hitting teams in the majors and this game is tied for the highest total on the slate. It’s a good recipe for offense.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cubs vs Diamondbacks odds
Cubs vs Diamondbacks live odds
Cubs vs Diamondbacks opening odds
- Moneyline: Chicago +110 | Arizona -119
- Run line: Chicago +1.5 (-191) | Arizona -1.5 (+170)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-117) | Under 8.5 (+104)
Cubs vs Diamondbacks trend
Nico Hoerner has eight singles over his last eight games against Arizona. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Diamondbacks.
How to watch Cubs vs Diamondbacks and game info
| Location | Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ |
| Date | Saturday, 3-29-2025 |
| First pitch | 8:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | Marquee, Dbacks TV |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Shota Imanaga (2024: 15-3, 2.91 ERA) |
| Diamondbacks starting pitcher | Brandon Pfaadt (2024: 11-10, 5.72 ERA) |
Cubs vs Diamondbacks latest injuries
Cubs vs Diamondbacks weather
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