Pirates in desperation mode against Cubs
Having reached the 99-win plateau for the first time since 1935, will the Cubs hit the century mark tonight?
Coming off a triumphant final homestand of 2016, Chicago opens a four-game set vs. Pittsburgh at 7:05 p.m. ET. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives Joe Maddon’s crew odds of -169 to prevail here, whereas the Pirates represent +154 underdogs. The over/under run total rests at 7.5.
Yesterday, the North Siders held off St. Louis 3-1. Jon Lester set the tone with 6 2/3 scoreless innings. Arguably his chief rival for the National League Cy Young award, Kyle Hendricks, takes the rubber in a few hours. The sinkerball specialist leads baseball in ERA (2.06) and is 11-2 with a 1.37 ERA over his past 17 assignments.
With the Buccos’ playoff hopes on life support, manager Clint Hurdle turns to Chad Kuhl. The rookie has captured each of his last two starts, downing the Brewers and Phillies. In fact, Pittsburgh boasts victories in nine of Kuhl’s 12 appearances.
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Unfortunately, the Pirates also own a record of 37-40 at PNC Park. They basically need to sweep the Cubbies – and receive a lot of help – just to enter the final series of the regular season with a remote chance of sneaking in the back door of the postseason picture. Don’t look for Kuhl to get through this tilt unscathed.
MONDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS/PIRATES OVER 7.5 RUNS