Wednesday, April 2, 7:05 PM on CSN+, ROOT

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Chicago - E. Jackson (0-0) vs. Pittsburgh - C. Morton (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Edwin Jackson and the Chicago Cubs will take on Charlie Morton of the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday night in an early-season NL Central clash. Jackson is coming off of his worst season in the majors since his first one as a regular starter back in 2007. His 4.98 ERA is well above his career norms, and the 18 losses he had last year were by far the most of his career and lead the league in 2013. Obviously, he will be hoping to get off to a great start to put last season behind him.

Pirates' superstar Andrew McCutchen has had the most success against Jackson, hitting .400 with two home runs in 23 career plate appearances against the righty. Jackson has done well against most of their other players, though. Neil Walker, for example, has just two hits against him in 16 career at-bats.

There weren't too many expectations for Charlie Morton last season, but he did pretty well as the team's fourth starter. He ended up pitching 116 innings and finished the year with a career-best 3.26 ERA. He also ended up with 6.6 strikeouts per nine innings, which was well above his career norms.

Morton has had Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo's number so far in their matchups, holding him to just one hit in nine plate appearances. Nate Schierholtz has the most success against Morton, getting a double, a triple and three more hits in 17 plate appearances against the Pirates' pitcher.

Chicago Trends

Chi  is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi's last 9 games on the road
Chi  is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Trends

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games at home
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chi
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing 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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