As the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates face off in the heart of the Steel City, both teams are vying for a crucial win in the tightly contested NL Central standings. This matchup marks the middle game of a three-game series, and the stakes are high for both clubs as they aim to improve their positions in the NL wild card race. The Cubs recently stumbled against the Marlins, losing 7-2 after a strong run of six wins in eight games. Conversely, the Pirates are riding high after clinching three of four from the struggling Reds, including a thrilling walk-off victory on Sunday. This article reflects the scenario before the first game of the series at PNC Park concluded on Monday night.
Cubs Aim to Rebound After Setback
The Cubs entered this series with a season record of 65-66, sitting third in the NL Central and trailing the Brewers by 10.5 games. They are also 5.5 games behind the Braves for the last wild card spot in the National League. In their last game against Miami, they managed only six hits and struggled with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-12 and leaving nine players on base. Ian Happ stood out with three hits, including an RBI, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Javier Assad took the loss, allowing three runs over seven innings, despite showing promise throughout the game.
In this matchup, the Cubs will rely on the arm of Justin Steele, who is making his 22nd start of the season. Steele’s current record stands at 4-5 with an impressive 3.07 ERA and 125 strikeouts over 123 innings. He recently earned a victory against the Tigers, allowing only two runs while striking out ten in a dominant performance. Steele has faced the Pirates eight times in his career, with mixed results, holding a 1-3 record and a 6.44 ERA against them. However, his recent form suggests he could turn the tide in this outing.
Pirates Seek to Escape Last Place
The Pirates celebrated a crucial win against the Reds, highlighted by Yasmani Grandal’s walk-off two-run homer, which added to their growing momentum. With a record of 62-68, the Pirates find themselves at the bottom of the NL Central, 13 games behind the Brewers and eight games away from the wild card spot. Their recent performance included a solid outing from Luis Ortiz, who pitched six scoreless innings, and a strong showing from their hitters, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa contributing three hits.
Expecting to activate Jared Jones from the injured list, the Pirates are keen for his return. Jones has a 5-6 record with a 3.56 ERA and 98 strikeouts this season. In his last outing, prior to his injury, he pitched five solid innings against the Cardinals. As he prepares to face the Cubs, Jones will look to build on his prior success against them, where he currently holds a 1-1 record with a 3.75 ERA in two starts.
Betting Insights for Cubs vs. Pirates
With both teams outside the playoff picture, the urgency for victory is palpable. The Cubs have shown resilience in their recent games, particularly with Steele’s improving performance on the mound. On the other hand, the Pirates have managed to create some energy around their lineup, especially with their recent clutch hitting. The outcome of this game could hinge on the effectiveness of Steele and whether Jones can shake off the rust from his time on the injured list. Given the current dynamics, the Cubs may have the upper hand, but the Pirates are always a formidable opponent, especially when energized by recent victories.
