Francisco Liriano (11-7, 3.41 ERA), attemping to pick up his 200th strikeout of the season, is on the hill for the Pittsburgh Pirates (94-60) as they square off against Jason Hammel (9-6, 3.79 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (89-64) in the second of a three-game series at Wrigley Field. The Pirates won the last game 3-2, continuing a seven-game winning streak. Action begins at 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep. 26 and can be seen on FOX.
Hammel pitched 5.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs (one unearned), striking out six and walking one in a 9-5 win over the Brewers. Kris Bryant (.278, 86 Rs, 26 HRs, 98 RBIs, 13 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. Liriano went 7.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out nine and walking two in a 3-2 win over the Dodgers in his most recent start. Pedro Alvarez (.245, 57 Rs, 26 HRs, 75 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 1 yesterday.
Pittsburgh is a narrow -108 favorite over Chicago. The Cubs have an overall money line of +1,167 and a record as the underdog of 25-26. Chicago has gone 3-1 in its last 10 as underdog. Chicago leads the whole NL in walks at home, earning an average of 3.7 per game. Turning to the pitchers, the Cubs are the top team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.18 so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Cubs, who lead the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.8.
As for their opponent, Pittsburgh is coming in with an overall money line of +2,196 and an impressive record of 74-35 as the favorite. They played solid baseball as the favorite over their last 10 games with a 5-2 record, and a 6-4 record SU. The Pirates allow 3.7 runs per game, but does worse whenever another team from the NL Central Division is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average up to 4.3 against division foes. The Pirates have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.2 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Cubs lead the season series, 10-7. The Cubs have an 18-13 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Liriano takes the mound. Hammel (RHP) will be on the hill against the Pirates, who have a 76-46 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Pit
Notes
In their last game, the Pirates won by a margin of one run. The Cubs are 32-21 in one-run games. The Pirates have a 36-17 record in close games.
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Pirates have an 8-14 record when opponents give up that many walks.
The Pirates are coming into the game with seven consecutive wins, while the Cubs currently have a losing streak of two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Cubs are 61-9. The Pirates have a 67-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 13th in runs, Chicago has earned 655 this season. Pittsburgh ranks ninth with 673 runs.
Chicago ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 533 this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 433.
When the Cubs hit at least one home run, they are 63-28, well-matched with the Pirates who are 61-28 when hitting one or more homers.
