The Pittsburgh Pirates are off to their best start since 1992, but they have plenty left to prove - starting with a statement about their status in the National League Central. The Pirates look to further legitimize themselves as contenders with a second straight road win over the division-favorite Chicago Cubs on Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
Pittsburgh continued its hot start with an 8-5 win Tuesday, spoiling the Cubs’ home opener. Starling Marte and Francisco Cervelli went deep in the opener and Corey Dickerson had three hits, improving to 22-for-55 with 11 RBIs in 16 career games against the Cubs. Chicago’s Javier Baez hit his first two home runs of the season Tuesday, and Kyle Schwarber snapped an 0-for-14 skid with two hits. The Cubs need stronger pitching, though, and they hope to get it Wednesday from veteran left-hander Jon Lester, who is 25-14 with a 3.23 ERA in 54 starts at Wrigley Field.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Steven Brault (2-0, 1.13 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (1-0, 2.89)
Brault wants to be a starter, and he made a strong case for staying in the rotation in his last start Thursday. The 25-year-old held Cincinnati to one run and three hits over five innings with four strikeouts, but he also issued four walks. Brault hasn’t fared too well against the Cubs, posting a 7.90 ERA in 13 2/3 innings across five games (two starts).
After a rough outing on Opening Day, Lester was lights-out in his second start. The 34-year-old allowed just three hits and a walk over six scoreless innings at Milwaukee on Thursday, and he struck out six. Lester is 5-5 with a 3.23 ERA in 12 starts against the Pirates.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pirates closer LHP Felipe Rivero officially changed his last name to Vazquez, which was reflected on the back of his jersey for the first time Tuesday.
2. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant is 5-for-7 with a double and a homer against Brault.
3. Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell went 2-for-5 on Tuesday and has reached base in all 10 games this season.