In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Jeff Locke (2-2, 4.71 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (17-18) are in Chicago to take on Kyle Hendricks (0-1, 4.65 ERA) and the Cubs (19-15). This is the first of a three-game series at Wrigley Field. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 15 and can be seen on ROOT-PIT, CSN-CHI and MLB.
Hendricks is 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA in his appearances against the Pirates, and goes up against a below-average Pittsburgh offense which is batting just .236 this season. Anthony Rizzo (.336, 24 Rs, 7 HRs, 20 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one RBI. When pitching against the Cubs, Locke is 1-2 with a 5.11 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts. Starling Marte (.287, 19 Rs, 8 HRs, 25 RBIs, 5 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Pirates, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Chicago is a -128 favorite against Pittsburgh and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is currently not available. The Cubs have an overall money line of +110 and a record as the favorite of 10-8. Chicago is an impressive 3-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games. Chicago is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 31 bases. Crossing over to the pitching staff, opposing offenses that come to Wrigley Field have been stifled by the Cubs, who have a team ERA of only 3.06 at home. The Cubs are the top team in the NL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 7.5 hits per contest to their opponents this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Cubs, who rank third in the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.4.
As for their opponent, Pittsburgh is coming in with an overall money line of -263 and a disappointing record of 3-7 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 2.57 ERA on the road. The Pirates have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.3 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Cubs lead the season series, 4-3. Hendricks (RHP) will be on the hill against the Pirates, who have a 16-14 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
Pittsburgh recorded at least two errors for the ninth time this season.
When the Cubs play into extra innings, they have a 4-1 record. The Pirates are 0-4 when their games exceed nine innings.
The Pirates are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded four strikeouts. The Cubs have a record of 3-0 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When outhit, the Cubs and the Pirates both have records of 4-13.
Ranking 22nd in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 26 this season. Chicago ranks 12th with 32 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Pittsburgh is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 7.94 per game. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.52.
Ranking 28th, Pittsburgh is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.650). Chicago ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .717.
When the Pirates allow at least one home run, they are 5-11. When the Cubs allow one or more homers, they have a 10-11 record.
