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

A. Guzman Cubs vs. 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.