The Pittsburgh Pirates (34-31) are on the road to face the Chicago Cubs (29-37) at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. The Cubs took Tuesday’s series opener 11-3. Starter Jameson Taillon went six innings for the win, allowing three runs on six hits.
Ian Happ went 1 for 2 with a home run, three runs, and four RBIs in the win. Christopher Morel added a home run and three RBIs. Jack Suwinski was 2 for 2 with two solo home runs and two walks for the Pirates.
ON THE MOUND
Roansy Contreras (3-5, 5.91 ERA) is set to start for Pittsburgh. The RHP allowed seven runs over 0.1 innings in his last start, a 9-5 road defeat against the Athletics on June 7. He was charged with the loss, scattering six hits while striking out one and walking two.
Contreras is making his first appearance against the Cubs this season. Contreras made one start against the Cubs in 2022, a 7-1 home victory on June 21. He surrendered one run on four hits over five innings, striking out three and walking two.
Left-hander Drew Smyly (5-4, 3.52 ERA) gets the ball for Chicago. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Pirates. Smyly made three appearances against the Pirates in 2022, all starts, striking out 10 and walking two over 14.1 innings (1-2, 4.40).
In his last start on Thursday, Smyly took the loss on the road against the Angels. He threw six innings and gave up three runs (2 ER) on seven hits, striking out four and walking three in the 3-1 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged 5.0 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.4. Against left-handed pitchers like Smyly this season, the Bucs have a .751 OPS. Rodolfo Castro is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a 1.145 OPS in 67 at-bats.
Chicago is averaging only 4.4 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average. The Cubs have a .699 OPS against righties in 2023. With a .825 OPS over 174 at-bats, Happ has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Pittsburgh is 16-15 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.7 runs per game while allowing 4.1 runs. Chicago has gone 16-16 at home this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. In the last 10 games between the NL Central rivals at Wrigley Field, Chicago is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 6.5-2.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Pirates lead the NL Central by one game over the Brewers. The Cubs are fourth in the NL Central, five games behind the Pirates.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago Cubs (-155)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
