Thursday, April 10, 2:20 PM on ROOT, WGN

Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

Pittsburgh - Cole, G (1-0) vs. Chicago - Wood, T (0-1)

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On Thursday afternoon, Gerrit Cole will try to get his second win to start the 2014 season when the Pittsburgh Pirates play Travis Wood and the Chicago Cubs.

Gerrit Cole was able to deliver seven strong innings for the Pirates in his first start of the season. He gave up six hits and two walks while striking out three hitters in Pittsburgh's 12-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. He kept his pitches low in the zone all game and forced the Cardinals into 15 ground balls.

Chicago shortstop Starlin Castro has had some success in limited opportunities against Cole, getting three hits and one RBI in six career at-bats. Anthony Rizzo has a hit and two strikeouts in five at-bats against the young righty.

Travis Wood didn't pitch poorly against the Phillies in his first start, but he did take the loss after giving up three earned runs in 6.1 innings. He did strike out eight and walked just one, though, so there is a good chance that the 2013 All-Star will improve his form.

Wood has already faced Pirates' star outfielder Andrew McCutchen 25 times in his career. Wood is one of the few pitchers in the majors who seems to have his number, giving up just two hits and striking him out five times. Wood actually loves facing the Pirates' players, allowing just a .182/.278/.341 batting line to their current roster.

Pittsburgh Betting Trends

Pittsburgh is 1-3-2 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Pittsburgh is +1.2

Chicago Betting Trends

Chicago is 1-4-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago is -0.5

Injuries to Watch

Pittsburgh

04/07/14 P Charlie Morton Thumb probable
03/30/14 C Chris Stewart Knee 15-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Jeff Locke Side 15-day DL (3/21)

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)

Guy's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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