Cubs at Pirates
Tensions always tend to run high when division rivals get together, and it might be ratcheted up a notch when the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Chicago Cubs for the second of a three-game series Tuesday. Both teams might be a bit on edge after Cubs star Anthony Rizzo’s controversial slide home during the series opener.
Mike Montgomery and four relievers combined on a two-hitter in the Cubs’ 7-0 win Monday, but Rizzo’s slide stole the spotlight. The All-Star first baseman slid into Pirates catcher Elias Diaz during the eighth inning, breaking up a double play, and Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle was ejected after the legality of the slide was upheld on replay. Veteran left-hander Jon Lester will try to keep the Pirates’ offense off-balance, but he will have the backing of a dominant bullpen if needed - Cubs relievers have pitched 10 scoreless innings over the past two games. Pittsburgh has dropped three straight and eight of its last 10.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), ATT SportsNet - Pittsburgh
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (4-2, 2.37 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Nick Kingham (2-1, 3.44)
Lester has allowed two or fewer runs in five straight outings, including two consecutive quality starts. The 34-year-old took a tough-luck loss Wednesday, allowing one run and six hits over seven innings in a 1-0 loss to Cleveland. Lester is 5-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 13 starts against the Pirates.
Kingham has bounced between the majors and minors and will make his fourth big-league start Tuesday. The 26-year-old rookie has recorded quality starts in two of his three outings with Pittsburgh, including a loss May 19 in which he allowed three runs and five hits over six innings against San Diego. Kingham has piled up 21 strikeouts and only two walks in 18 1/3 innings in the majors.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rizzo is 13-for-39 with 13 RBIs during a 10-game hitting streak.
2. Pirates LF Corey Dickerson is 24-for-61 with seven doubles, one triple and 11 RBIs in 18 career games against the Cubs.
3. The Cubs are 23-1 when leading after six innings.