Pregame Notes: Chicago Cubs, Hammel look to take two straight vs. Pirates

The Chicago Cubs look to take two in a row from the Pirates, and will send the red-hot Jason Hammel (6-3, 2.53) to the mound to do so.  Hammel has exceeded expectations to this point for the Cubs (26-36) and looks to stay on track after taking a no decision last outing. Hammel pitched seven scoreless and struck out eight vs. the Marlins.

The Pirates (30-34) will send young Brandon Cumpton (1-2, 6.51) to the mound. Cumptom has been solid through the first three innings of his outings, holding opponents to a .209 average. It balloons to .339 after that.

The Cubs will be seeking their third win this season at PNC Park. That would match their 2013 win total, as they finished 3-7 at Pittsburgh.

The game is a 6:05 pm CT start, and will be carried on CSN TV, and broadcast on WGN 720 AM.

Here are tonight’s starting lineups: