The Pirates are a couple games back of the Cardinals in the NL Central, and there are but a week’s worth of games left to play. In this series, the Cubs could close the Pirates out from winning the division (they’ll still pick up a Wild Card slot, but, obviously, anything can happen in a one-game playoff). That’s what is at stake here.
Game Info
Pittsburgh Pirates (89-67) at Chicago Cubs (65-91), 7:05 CT on CSN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. You should participate in the madness. And, of course, for those who aren’t into message board-style game threads, please feel free to use the comments on this post for your in-game commentary/outbursts.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Charlie Morton (7-4, 3.35 ERA, 3.58 FIP)
versus
Jeff Samardzija (8-12, 4.42 ERA, 3.80 FIP)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. Jose Tabata, LF
2. Neil Walker, 2B
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Marlon Byrd, RF
6. Pedro Alvarez, 3B
7. Russell Martin, C
8. Jordy Mercer, SS
9. Charlie Morton, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Starlin Castro, SS
2. Luis Valbuena, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Dioner Navarro, C
5. Nate Schierholtz, RF
6. Ryan Sweeney, CF
7. Brian Bogusevic, LF
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Jeff Samardzija, P