I like the Cubs offensively tonight against Gallen. +125 should be +105 on u4.5.

Justin Steele is glad to get out of Japan, where he was roughed up by the Dodgers last week, as the 0-2 Cubs wish they stayed in Mesa into this opener a few miles away at Chase Field. In this pitching matchup, however, we prefer Zac Gallen, whose last Cactus League start was midseason-sharp, 73 pitches last Thursday vs. the A's and deeming himself ready to go as the opening-night starter for the D-backs. Gallen is also off of a very solid 2024 performance, when he closed the season by going 4-0 in September with a 2.67 ERA. Gallen also dominated the Cubs over two starts, allowing no runs and just three hits across 15 innings of work vs. Chicago. Play D-backs on Money Line

I'm taking the Cubs in the first 5 innings here. I think they are a little ahead of the curve with two games under their belt. Justin Steele has a 1.00 ERA with 25 strikeouts in his last 18 innings vs. Arizona and while the D'Backs have some new faces, they hit just .217 against lefties last season. I like the Cubs to get out to a fast start after dropping both games to the Dodgers in Tokyo.

Arizona has won six of their last nine meetings with the Cubs, and they have their Ace on the mound tonight in Zac Gallen, who had four spring starts and two wins with a 2.89 ERA. He looks good so far with a look similar to last season. Justin Steele had a little rough outing in his three spring starts, where he gave up 14 hits and nine runs in 8.2 innings. It could be that he's just trying something new, but there's just that chance that he might be off, and that's why I bet against him. Diamondbacks to win.