Saturday, September 6, 2014

Wrigley Field in Chicago

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In the National League Central division, the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers are both in the playoffs if the regular season ended today, but the Pittsburgh Pirates are another team that can represent the division in the postseason this year. They will continue their attempt to reach the playoffs when they travel to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs. The Pirates will send left-hander Francisco Liriano (3-10) to the mound against another left-hander, Felix Doubront (3-4).

Liriano has pitched a lot better than his record shows. During the month of August, he made 6 starts including 5 that were called quality starts, but he registered no wins. In 8 of his last 9 starts, he has pitched extremely well, allowing just 17 earned runs including 7 in a start against the Atlanta Braves on Aug. 19. He will look to continue his solid run against a team that he has allowed just 13 hits in 75 at-bats against. Anthony Rizzo and Welington Castillo have each added a home run off Liriano.

For Doubront, 2014 has been a disastrous year. When he was acquired by the Cubs from the Boston Red Sox earlier this season, he had an ERA above 6.00. In his only start with the Cubs, he lasted 7 innings and allowed just 1 earned run off 7 hits, earning the win. In his career against the current members of the Pirates, he has allowed just 4 hits in 26 at-bats with a home run from Russell Martin.

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 72-56-11 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is -0.4

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 69-57-12 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago Cubs is 0.8

Injuries to Watch

Pittsburgh Pirates

08/01/14 P Cliff Lee Elbow 15-day DL (7/31), out for season
06/20/14 3B Reid Brignac Ankle 15-day DL (6/20)

Chicago Cubs

08/11/14 RF Steven Souza Shoulder 15-day DL (8/10)
08/07/14 P Taylor Jordan Elbow 60-day DL (8/5)
08/05/14 LF Nate McLouth Shoulder 60-day DL (8/2); out for season
07/25/14 P Matt Purke Elbow 60-day DL (7/25)
07/23/14 LF Ryan Zimmerman Hamstring 15-day DL (7/22)
03/29/14 P Ross Ohlendorf Back 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Erik Davis Elbow 60-day DL (2/13)

Guy's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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