Cubs and Pirates prepare for final game
The Chicago Cubs are set to conclude their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The Cubs have an opportunity to secure a series victory in the matchup. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network.
The Cubs’ offense has been productive this season, accumulating 534 runs, averaging 5.13 runs per game. This pace projects to 832 runs for the season, which would mark their second-highest total since 1970, trailing only the 855 runs scored in 2008.
Historically, the Cubs have shown offensive power on this date. Thirty years ago, on July 26, 1996, the Cubs defeated the Rockies 17-4 at Coors Field, hitting five home runs during that game. The home runs were hit by Brian McRae, Sammy Sosa, Tyler Houston, Leo Gomez, and Jose Hernandez.
Pitching Matchups and Recent Performances
For the upcoming game, the Cubs are expected to start right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon. Taillon’s season has been challenging, with his last start at PNC Park on May 27 reflecting this, where he allowed four runs and two home runs over five innings. The Cubs ultimately won that game 10-4. Taillon has shown a slight improvement in day games, holding a 4.63 ERA and allowing nine home runs in 35 innings across six starts, compared to a 6.08 ERA and 13 home runs in 37 innings over eight night games.
The Pirates are expected to counter with right-handed pitcher Braxton Ashcraft. Ashcraft has faced the Cubs twice this season, performing well with a 1.59 ERA, a 1.147 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts over 11.1 innings in those outings. However, since June 1, Ashcraft’s performance has seen a decline, with a 6.05 ERA, a 1.416 WHIP, and nine home runs allowed in 41.2 innings. His most recent start on July 20 against the Yankees saw him surrender eight runs, seven of which were earned, and two home runs in three innings.
In a separate game within the series, the Pirates handed the ball to Paul Skenes, who has been on a recent winning streak. Skenes had won his last three starts, including a July 19 game against the Cleveland Guardians where he pitched seven innings, giving up seven hits and one run in a victory at Progressive Field. This marked the fourth time this season Skenes had pitched seven innings in a game. Skenes holds a 9-8 record with a 3.43 ERA.
The Cubs’ starter for that particular game was Shota Imanaga, who has a 6-8 record with a 3.91 ERA this season. Imanaga, in his third season with the Cubs, pitched seven innings against the Minnesota Twins on July 19, allowing six hits and no earned runs in a 10-1 win at Wrigley Field. Earlier in the season, Imanaga faced the Pirates in April, pitching six hitless innings before the Pirates rallied for a 2-0 victory.
Game Outlook and Trends
The weather forecast for the game indicates warm and dry conditions with light winds blowing out to right field. Both starting pitchers have shown susceptibility to hits. Taillon carries a 14.4% barrel rate and has given up 22 home runs in 72 innings, often not completing the sixth inning. Ashcraft has allowed eight home runs in his last five starts and has an average exit velocity against him of 90.5 mph.
The Cubs’ lineup has demonstrated patience at the plate, with an 11% walk rate over the past two weeks. This could challenge Ashcraft, who relies on a high chase rate (37.2%). Taillon’s fly-ball tendencies might be mitigated by PNC Park’s characteristics and the defensive presence of Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has a +20 Outs Above Average in center field. Conversely, the Pirates’ corner outfield defense has a combined -8 OAA. The Pirates’ lineup also tends to chase pitches, which could benefit Taillon’s sweeper.
The trend for head-to-head meetings between these two teams suggests high-scoring games, with the Over being 7-3 in their last 10 matchups. The Pirates’ bullpen has also shown a tendency to issue walks, with a 10.4% walk rate over the past two weeks, following a busy Saturday night.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, at 12:35 PM CT.
Source: sports.yahoo.com