Tuesday, April 8, 8:05 PM on ROOT, CSCh

Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

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

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Tuesday night will see the Pittsburgh Pirates send Charlie Morton to the mound to face the Chicago Cubs and Edwin Jackson.  Each pitcher will be making their second starting appearance of the season.

Charlie Morton pitched to a no decision in his first start of the season but he did go 6 shutout innings, giving up just 4 hits and a walk while striking out 6.  Last season, Morton gave the Pirates 20 starts that led to a 7 – 4 record with a career low ERA of 3.26.  His 116 innings pitched were the second most of his young career.  Last season, Morton faced the Cubs three times and came away with a 0 – 1 record. 

The Cubs have seen Morton enough to know what he throws. Nate Schierholtz and Starlin Castro have faced Morton 18 times with each of them coming away with 6 hits and an RBI.  But Schierholtz has struck out 5 times and Castro 3 times.

Edwin Jackson also pitched to a no decision in his first outing.  Jackson gave up 2 runs on 2 hits while striking out 5 and walking 4 in the 5 1/3 innings outing.  In 31 starts last season, Jackson earned a record of 8 – 18 with an ERA of 4.98.  In 2013 Jackson faced the Pirates 4 times with a record of 2 – 2 and an ERA of 3.48. 

Andrew McCutchen is batting .381 against Edwin Jackson.   In 21 at-bats, McCutchen has 8 hits (including 2 doubles), 2 home runs and 5 RBIs.      

Pittsburgh Betting Trends

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

Run differential for Pittsburgh is +1.2

Chicago  Betting Trends

Chicago is 0-4-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago is -1.6

Injuries to Watch

Pittsburgh

04/04/14 P Charlie Morton Thumb is upgraded to probable for next start
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)

Josh's Pick: Take Chicago

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Josh Schonwald