Pregame Notes: Chicago Cubs open season against Pirates at PNC Park

Mar 20, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

(29) pitches against the Seattle Mariners at Cubs Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs (0-0) will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (0-0) at PNC Park this afternoon, marking the second consecutive Opening Day these two teams have met in the Steel City. First pitch is slated for 12:05 p.m. CT.

Right-hander Jeff Samardzija (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will start for Chicago, as he aims to replicate his masterful performance from last year’s Opening Day matchup with Pittsburgh. He will be opposed by Pirates’ left-hander Francisco Liriano (0-0, 0.00 ERA) – who is coming off a bounceback campaign where he led the Bucs’ rotation as the team made the postseason for the first time in two decades.

The game will be broadcast on 720 WGN, as well as WGN TV and ESPN. It is also available via the MLB At-Bat app. Per usual, blackout restrictions apply to those with an MLB.TV subscription.

Here are today’s starting lineups: