Jake Arrieta (4-3, 3.00 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (21-15) square off against A.J. Burnett (2-1, 1.60 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (17-20) in a game that has the potential to be low scoring. This is the last of a three-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 4-1, continuing a six-game winning streak. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 17 and can be seen on ROOT-PIT and WGN.
Arrieta is 4-0 with a 2.70 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts against the Pirates. Anthony Rizzo (.349, 26 Rs, 8 HRs, 23 RBIs, 8 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 3 with one RBI. Against the Cubs, Burnett is 7-4 with a 3.13 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 75 strikeouts. Starling Marte (.298, 20 Rs, 8 HRs, 25 RBIs, 6 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Pirates, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one stolen base.
Chicago is a -122 favorite against Pittsburgh and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is unavailable as of now. The Cubs have recorded an overall money line of +310 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 12-8. Chicago is an impressive 5-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games. Chicago is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 36 bases. Turning to the pitchers, the Cubs are the fourth-best team in the NL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.6 walks per game so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Cubs, who rank second in the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.6.
Over in the other dugout, Pittsburgh is coming in with an overall money line of -486 and a disappointing record of 3-8 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-1 record when playing as the underdog. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has set the standard for its league, with an NL-low 2.89 ERA on the road. The Pirates have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.2 strikeouts per road game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Cubs lead the season series, 6-3. The Cubs have a 16-12 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Burnett takes the mound. Arrieta (RHP) will be on the hill against the Pirates, who have a 16-16 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
For the 10th time this season, the Pirates registered at least two errors in a game.
The Cubs are 5-1 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Pirates are 0-5 in such matchups.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Pirates are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Cubs have a 7-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Pirates are 4-13. The Cubs have a 5-13 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 20th in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 30 this season. Chicago ranks 13th with 34 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Pittsburgh is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.11 per game. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.63.
Ranking 27th, Pittsburgh is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.666). Chicago ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .723.
When the Pirates allow at least one home run, they are 5-12. When the Cubs allow one or more homers, they have a 12-11 record.
