Juan Nicasio (3-2, 3.33 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (15-12) meet Jon Lester (2-1, 1.83 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (19-6) in the last of a three-game division series at PNC Park. The Cubs won the last game 7-1, and Chicago leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 12:35 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 4 and will air on CSCh and RTPT.
In his last start, Nicasio pitched 7.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 4-1 victory over the Reds. The Cubs were also victorious the last time Lester pitched. He pitched well, going 7.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out 10 and walking two in a 6-1 victory over the Braves. Anthony Rizzo (.242, 19 Rs, 8 HRs, 26 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Cubs, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Pirates have a SU record of 12-2 against teams in their division. Pittsburgh has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. Over their past 10 games, Pittsburgh’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
Against divisional rivals, the Cubs are 8-6 SU. They sport the top-ranked offense in the NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. The Cubs average 5.4 walks per game, making them the most disciplined team in the NL. Chicago’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, averaging an NL-best 0.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 0.970 on the year, the best in the league.
The previous two games have all gone Chicago’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Chicago is 12-0, while Pittsburgh is 6-7.
The Chicago batters brought in a solid 11 hits last game. Pittsburgh has a record of 3-5 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
When they are outhit, the Pirates are 2-8. The Cubs have a 2-5 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 16th in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 25 this season. Chicago ranks 13th with 28 home runs.
Ranking first in hits, Pittsburgh has earned 9.96 per game this season. Chicago ranks 10th with 8.60 hits.
Ranking seventh, Chicago is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.786). Pittsburgh ranks in the top five with an OPS of .802.
The Cubs are 7-3 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Pirates are 8-9 when they allow at least one homer.
