Series Preview: Pirates at Cubs, May 7-9, 2021

Well, the Cubs just beat the Dodgers, so … I think that makes the Pirates a little league team right? Eh, maybe not so much.

The Pirates have been a thorn in the side of more teams than just the Cubs this year (against whom they’ve split their first six games). Since taking that second series from the Cubs, the Pirates have split a four-gamer with the Padres, taken a series from the Brewers, taken a series from the Tigers and Twins, and split a series with the Royals. They’ve slowed down lately, losing back-to-back series to the Padres and Cardinals, but still. They’ve been fighting. It’s annoying.

With that said, the Cubs have some momentum after the best series of the year. Losing two or more to the Pirates now would *really* suck wind out of the the sails.

We’re Going Streaking

The Chicago Cubs (15-16) have won three games in a row and have moved from the bottom of the barrel into third place of the NL Central. They’re only 5-5 in their last ten, but, hey, sweeping the Dodgers was fun, right? The Pittsburgh Pirates (13-17) have won 4 of their last 10 games and have settled into last place.

Game Times and Broadcasts Info

•   Friday, May 7th at 1:20 CT on MARQ,  670 The Score
•   Saturday, May 8th at 1:20 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
•   Sunday, May 9th at 1:20 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score

Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Trevor Cahill (R) vs. Zach Davies (R)
Game 2: Wil Crowe (R) vs. Trevor Williams (R)
Game 3: Tyler Anderson (L) vs. Kyle Hendricks (R)

Chicago Cubs

•   C – Willson Contreras
•   1B – Anthony Rizzo
•   2B – David Bote
•   3B – Matt Duffy/Kris Bryant
•   SS – Javy Baez
•   OF – Joc Pederson (LF)
•   OF – Jake Marisnick (LF, CF, RF)
•   OF – Jason Heyward (RF
•   OF – Kris Bryant (LF, CF, RF)

Unavailable: Jake Arrieta, Jonathan Holder, Shelby Miller, Rowan Wick, Dan Winkler, Austin Romine, Nico Hoerner

Los Angeles Dodgers

•   C – Jacob Stallings
•   1B – Colin Moran
•   2B – Adam Frazier
•   3B – Ke’Bryan Hayes
•   SS – Kevin Newman
•   LF – Ka’ai Tom
•   CF – Bryan Reynolds
•   RF – Wilmer Difo/Phillip Evans

Unavailable: Chad Kuhl, Steven Brault, Austin Davis, Blake Cederlind, Jose Soriano, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Gregory Polanco,

By the Numbers:

Run Differential:
Cubs: -6 (16th)
Pirates: -29 (28th)

Runs Scored Per Game:
Cubs: 4.71 (9th)
Pirates: 3.53 (27th)

Runs Allowed Per Game:
Cubs: 4.90 (25th)
Pirates: 4.50 (20th)

Keep An Eye Out For …

Jake Marisnick and Matt Duffy. These two guys have been keeping the Cubs lineup moving lately, and you should expect to see more of them this weekend. Brett discussed Duffy’s progress and performance right here, and I got into Marisnick right here:

Kris Bryant came up short in some big spots on Tuesday night, but the dude is still completely raking and doing so while playing third, left, center, and right field. He’s currently the fourth most valuable position player in MLB, behind Byron Buxton, Mike Trout, and Ronald Acuña Jr.

Bryan Reynolds (135 wRC+) and Colin Moran (126 wRC+) have been the hitters for the Pirates this season, and Reynolds has been turning it on lately. He’s gotten a hit in every game of May, including 5 doubles and a homer. He’s not walking, though, so I’d probably stay clear of the zone, if I were a Cubs pitcher.

Trevor Williams has made only two bad starts this season, but one of them was against his former Pirates (3.1 IP, 10H, 5ER, 2BB, 3Ks) and one of them was his last time out against the Reds (2.2 IP, 6H, 6ER, 4BB, 2Ks). I’m not sure if we’re going to get the consistency we’d want out of him, but if he can just continue delivering 2-3 great starts in between bad ones, he’ll be a fine back-of-the-rotation option.

written by

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Rangers – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

*SHORT COURTS: It's Time To Bring The Home Court, Home! Looking for a unique way to celebrate your athlete or team before you peruse the FIRST CHICAGO CUBS LINEUP of the Year? Don't miss out! For just one more week...

The Cubs Are Among the Most Returning-y Teams

I am still mostly incapacitated at the moment, so apologies for the short shrift on such an otherwise blessed day. In between pokes and prods, I wanted to share a chart I saw that was pretty interesting, even if unsurprising:...

Maybe the Cubs Are the Favorites in the NL Central, After All?

ESPN was the first to throw some love the Cubs way this week, with an overwhelming majority of their writers, analysts, and editors picking the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central in 2024. But the love doesn't end there....

The Season Begins, Love for Morel, Counsell’s Value, and Other Cubs Bullets

You know where you want to spend your Opening Day morning? The hospital! Suffice to say, this is not how I imagined getting HYPED for the Cubs' opener. I guess I'll just have to think about all the possible lineup...

Cubs vs Rangers: The First Series of the Year!

Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...

The 2024 Chicago Cubs for Dummies

Boom. We made it. The offseason is over, and the Cubs regular season - and those elevated expectations - begins tomorrow. But in case you slept through the winter, I'm here to catch you up on everything you need to...

I’m Expecting More This Year, Cubs — It’s Time to Start Winning

There's no way around it: The Chicago Cubs did *not* have the offseason we hoped they might after making Craig Counsell the highest paid manager in MLB history. Not that they did poorly, mind you. Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga, and...

Latest News

Rays vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) go on the road at Tropicana Field against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) at 6:50 PM ET on Friday.The Rays will look to Aaron Civale against the Blue Jays and Chris Bassitt.Rays vs. Blue Jays...

Marlins vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) play on Friday at LoanDepot park against the Miami Marlins (0-1). The contest begins at 7:10 PM ET.The Marlins will look to Andrew Jacob Puk against the Pirates and Martin Perez.Marlins vs. Pirates Pitcher Matchup and...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup. This strong showing translates to a relatively stable roster with few glaring weaknesses...

NC State vs Marquette Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

March Madness matchups bring us a great battle tonight as 11-seed NC State battles 2-seed Marquette. Check out the odds, stats, and more for NC State vs Marquette which tips off at 7:09 pm ET tonight. NC State vs Marquette...

Best NBA Prop Bets Today – Friday, March 29, 2024

Today's NBA schedule has 12 quality competitions in store. Among those games is the Minnesota Timberwolves playing the Denver Nuggets.NBA prop bets for today's games are available, so if you're interested in placing a bet or building a parlay, you'll...

Updated Elite 8 Odds: UConn Betting Favorite To Win March Madness

There were some great performances last night including a 30-point win by the UConn Huskies sending them to the Elite Eight. Are they the betting favorite to win March Madness? What team is sitting on top of the odds to...

UConn vs. Illinois Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – NCAA Tournament Round Elite Eight

The No. 1 seed UConn Huskies (34-3) are 8.5-point favorites to advance to the Final Four when they play the No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini (29-8) in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Saturday at TD Garden, airing on...

Alabama vs. Clemson Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – NCAA Tournament Round Elite Eight

The No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide (24-11) and No. 6 seed Clemson Tigers (24-11) will both be vying for a spot in the NCAA Tournament Final Four when they meet on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, tipping off at 8:49...

How to Watch UConn Huskies vs. Illinois Fighting Illini: Live Stream or on TV

The No. 1 seed UConn Huskies (34-3) will take on the No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini (29-8) in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Saturday at TD Garden, airing on TBS starting at 6:09 PM ET.UConn won its previous...

Alabama vs. Clemson: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The No. 6 seed Clemson Tigers (24-11) will take the court for an NCAA Tournament Elite Eight matchup with the No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide (24-11) on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, airing on TBS beginning at 8:49 PM ET,...

more cubs news