clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Open Thread: Cubs vs. Pirates, Tuesday 5/2, 1:20 CT

Apropos of nothing, meaningless information I learned while looking up info for today's pitcher box:

Angel Guzman's middle name is "Moises".

Apropos of something, interesting stat notes:

  • The Cubs are 8-1 when they score in the first inning.
  • The Cubs lead the majors in reached-base-by-error, having done so 17 times already (the Cardinals are second with 12).
  • The Cubs have the best BA with RISP in the NL so far this year -- .297 (54-for-182). But, they are only 15-for-79 (.190) with RISP and two out. Fortunately, one of those 15 hits, Matt Murton's, won the game last night.
Today's Starting Pitchers
Angel Guzman
A. Guzman
Cubs
vs. Zach Duke
Z. Duke
Pirates
0-0 W-L 1-2
5.40 ERA 4.50
5 SO 18
4 BB 15
1 HR 5
vs. Pit -- vs. Cubs
One of Pittsburgh's seven wins was Duke's start against the Cubs on April 15. In Duke's last two starts he's been decent (6 IP, 3 ER in each), but he's walked nine batters in the twelve innings he's thrown in them.

So, patience would be a good idea today. Matt Murton is 5-for-8 lifetime against Duke; naturally, Guzman, in his second ML start, has never faced any of the Pirates -- unless he's done so in the minor leagues.

Duke is 3-0 vs. the Cubs lifetime with a 0.78 ERA. Time to change that.

Discuss amongst yourselves.