Thursday, April 3, 12:35 PM on CSCh, ROOT

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Chicago - Hammel, J (0-0) vs. Pittsburgh - Rodriguez, W (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Cubs and Pirates finish off their season opening series with some day baseball Thursday afternoon at PNC Park. Pittsburgh spoiled Rick Renteria's managerial debut on Opening Day by notching a 1-0 walkoff extra-inning win but the Cubs hope to steal one before they head back to Wrigley for Friday's home opener. The Pirates aim for a quick victory so they can prepare for a visit from St. Louis this weekend.

Jason Hammel gets the ball for Chicago in his return to the National League. The 31-year-old signed a 1 year, $6 million contract to be an innings eater for the Cubs. Hammel pitched for Baltimore each of the last two seasons and started 23 games a year ago, going just 7-8 with a 4.97 ERA. Hammel did not make any interleague starts against Pittsburgh last year and has faced the current roster only 58 times, limiting them to a .224 combined average.

35-year-old Wandy Rodriguez gets the rock for Pittsburgh as he enters the final season of a 4-year, $44 million deal. Rodriguez was shut down last June due to a forearm injury and will need to pitch great to get another contract at this stage in his career. In those limited 12-starts W-Rod was 6-4 with a 3.59 ERA including a 2-0 record against the Cubs. Rodriguez also made his first start of the year against the Cubs going 6.2 innings while allowing just 2 hits and 0 ER. Chicago has posted just a .245 batting average in 94 AB against Rodriguez.

Chicago Trends

Chi is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Chi is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chi is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Trends

Pittsburgh is 5-1-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Chi
Pittsburgh is 7-1-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Chi

Injuries to Watch

Chicago 

03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)
03/28/14 P Jake Arrieta Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Kyuji Fujikawa Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)

Pittsburgh 

03/30/14 C Chris Stewart Knee 15-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Jeff Locke Side 15-day DL (3/21)

Tony's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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