Lester bolsters Cubs’ chances against Pirates
No one in Chicago is ready to ring the alarm just yet. If the Cubs continue their downward spiral in Pittsburgh, though, matters could be re-evaluated in a hurry.
Joe Maddon’s team tries to avoid its fifth consecutive defeat tonight, with a 7:15 p.m. ET first pitch at PNC Park. Handicappers at online sports book BetDSI believe the National League Central’s current top dog will pull through in such a clutch situation. The Pirates, meanwhile, represent +145 underdogs.
The hosts claimed Friday’s series opener, 8-4, to climb within 7 ½ games of the division lead. In a few hours, Clint Hurdle will ask young righty Chad Kuhl to sustain the momentum. The Deleware product draws MLB start No. 3 after going 1-0 in his first two. Kuhl tossed five innings and permitted three earned runs in a 4-3 triumph over the Dodgers on June 6, then scattered seven hits across six frames in a July 2 assignment vs. the A’s.
On the other side, Jon Lester aims to rectify a rare misfire. He was ambushed for eight runs on nine base knocks in last week’s 14-3 loss to the Mets. Typically, however, the lefty delights in facing the Buccos. Lester carries a 4-3 record with a 1.90 ERA in seven career meetings with the franchise.
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Can the three-time All-Star truly hope to cool off the blistering host squad? Pittsburgh, of course, enters the fray having captured eight of nine. Then again, Chicago understands the need to regain a little traction prior to the All-Star break. Considering the recent scuffles of Jake Arrieta, there’s nobody better equipped to deliver the goods than Lester.
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