Jake Arrieta (6-0, 1.12 ERA) gets the start for the Chicago Cubs (26-8) as they go up against Jeff Locke (1-2, 4.68 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (18-16) in the second of a three-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 9-4, and Chicago leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 2:20 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 14 and will air on WLS and RTPT.
In his most recent outing, Arrieta pitched 5.0 innings, giving up three runs (one unearned), striking out seven and walking four in a 4-3 victory over the Nationals. Anthony Rizzo (.274, 28 Rs, 10 HRs, 29 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run. The Pirates were unsuccessful the last time Locke pitched. He tossed 6.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out one and walking two in a 6-4 loss to the Cardinals. Andrew McCutchen (.261, 24 Rs, 8 HRs, 16 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Pirates, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Cubs have a SU record of 11-10 against teams in their division. The Cubs come into the game with the top-ranked scoring offense in the NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. They have been very patient at the plate, leading the NL with an average of 5.2 walks per game. Chicago’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average. The Cubs don’t allow many hitters to get on base, leading the league with a 1.059 WHIP.
Against divisional foes, the Pirates are 14-2 SU. Pittsburgh has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. Pittsburgh is a terror on the base paths, ranking fourth in the MLB with 23 stolen bases. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
The previous four games have all gone Chicago’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
Pittsburgh has won 47% (9-10) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 94% (16-1) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Pirates managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Cubs who are heading in with a 22-6 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Pirates are 14-5. The Cubs have a 21-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking seventh, Pittsburgh sits in the top 10 of the league in runs, scoring 167 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at second with 205.
Chicago ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 176 this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five with 137.
When the Cubs hit at least one home run, they are 20-2. When the Pirates hit at least one homer, they have a 12-8 record.
