On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Pirates series preview

Since we last saw the Pirates on Sunday, they got swept by the Reds and allowed 30 runs on 35 hits.

Meanwhile, the Pirates offense scored just eight runs in that three-game series.

I suppose I shouldn’t gloat over the latter fact, because the Cubs allowed nine runs to the Pirates last weekend, even while taking two of the three games.

The Cubs offense simply has to get going. Cubs pitching has been pretty good so far this year. Two of the three games in this series will feature pitching rematches from last weekend where the Cubs did well.

Fun fact

While the Cubs have been busy demolishing the Pirates at Wrigley Field since 2015 (35-17), the Bucs have played the Cubs much tougher at home. The Cubs are 29-26 at PNC Park since 2015 (30-26 including the 2015 wild card game), but are just 6-11 in Pittsburgh since 2019.

Pitching matchups

Thursday: Jake Arrieta, RHP (1-0, 1.50 ERA, 1.167 WHIP, 2.30 FIP) vs. Tyler Anderson, LHP (0-1, 5.40 ERA, 1.400 WHIP, 4.47 FIP)

Saturday: Zach Davies, RHP (1-0, 3.18 ERA, 1.235 WHIP, 5.59 FIP) vs. Mitch Keller, RHP (0-1, 9.00 ERA, 2.000 WHIP, 9.14 FIP)

Sunday: Trevor Williams, RHP (1-0, 3.00 ERA, 0.667 WHIP, 2.88 FIP) vs. JT Brubaker, RHP (0-0, 2.25 ERA, 1.750 WHIP, 4.22 FIP)

Times & TV channels

Thursday: 12:35 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network (outside Cubs and Pirates market territories)

Saturday: 5:35 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network

Sunday: 12:05 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network (outside Cubs and Pirates market territories)

Prediction

The Cubs took two of three from the Pirates last weekend. I don’t see any reason why they can’t do the same here.

Up next

The Cubs face the Brewers again, this time in Milwaukee’s newly named American Family Fields. The three-game series begins Monday evening.