Marcus Stroman, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, leads the Chicago Cubs (34-38) into PNC Park on Tuesday as they match up against the Pittsburgh Pirates (34-37).
The Cubs took Monday’s series opener 8-0, their fifth straight head-to-head victory, including all four games this season. Drew Smyly threw five scoreless innings to get the win.
Yan Gomes was 1 for 2 with two walks and two runs in the win. Andrew McCutchen’s on-base streak hit 11 as he went 1 for 2 with two walks for the Pirates.
ON THE MOUND
Stroman (8-4, 2.45 ERA) is slated to start for Chicago. The right-hander leads the NL in ERA and is tied for second in wins. Stroman faces the Pirates in back-to-back starts. He allowed two runs over six innings on Thursday, a 7-2 road win. He earned the win, giving up four hits while striking out five and walking two.
For Pittsburgh, RHP Johan Oviedo (3-6, 4.40 ERA) takes the mound. His only prior start against the Cubs this season was his last outing when Oviedo gave up four runs over 4.1 innings in a 7-2 road defeat on Thursday. He gave up eight hits and walked one while striking out eight in the loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 6.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.5, partially due to increased slugging (.421 vs .395).
Against right-handed pitchers like Oviedo this season, the Cubs have a .702 OPS. Ian Happ is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .816 OPS in 192 at-bats.
Pittsburgh is averaging only 1.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.2 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.162/.254/.234).
The Bucs have a .705 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .969 OPS over 142 at-bats, Jack Suwinski has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 14-21 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Pittsburgh has gone 18-17 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 5.0.
The NL Central rivals have split their last 10 meetings at PNC Park, though Pittsburgh has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.4-5.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are fourth in the NL Central, three games behind the division-leading Reds. The Pirates are third in the NL Central, three games behind the Reds.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago Cubs (-130)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
