Chicago @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 2, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 8, Arizona 3

The Cubs opened the month of June by losing eight of nine - capping a brutal 4-20 stretch - but they have split their last 10, beginning the week by taking two of three on the road against the crosstown rival White Sox. Arizona was 7-5 during its recent two-week stretch against the American League, finishing off with a wild series victory against Seattle that saw the Diamondbacks outscore the Mariners, 30-23, while winning two of three.

A potent and balanced lineup, led by left fielder Jason Kubel (.297, 41 RBIs), has kept the Diamondbacks within striking distance in both the National League West and the wild-card race. The Cubs, last in the NL Central, have struggled in nearly every area, ranking near the bottom of the league in both runs scored and ERA. Their 24-45 overall record and 10-26 road mark are both the second-worst in the major leagues.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), Fox Sports (Arizona)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (5-5, 4.04 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Joe Saunders (4-5, 3.44)

Samardzija has come back to earth in recent weeks, going 1-4 in his last six starts and yielding 13 runs and 20 hits in 14 innings over his last three trips to the mound - all Chicago losses. He has struggled on the road all season, going 2-3 with a 6.00 ERA in seven games. Samardzija has five career relief appearances against Arizona, giving up two runs in 4 2/3 innings while walking seven and striking out eight.

Saunders pitched well in his last outing, giving up two runs in six innings against the Angels in Los Angeles, but he was beaten by Ervin Santana’s one-hit shutout. The right-hander has been far more hittable at home this season, where he is 3-4 with a 5.01 ERA. Saunders has lost his two previous starts against the Cubs, giving up 10 runs (7 earned) in just 8 2/3 innings of work.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs have won seven of their last 10 against Arizona, including five of seven on the road since July 2010.

2. Arizona hitters are a combined 1-for-14 against Samardzija, with a three-run double by Justin Upton the lone hit.

3. Chicago LF Alfonso Soriano and C Geovany Soto are a combined 4-for-7 with two homers against Saunders. The rest of the Cubs are a combined 12-for-55 (.218) with 11 strikeouts.