Pregame Notes: Wood, Cubs look for third straight series win

The Chicago Cubs (31-40) have gotten within nine games of .500, and are looking for Travis Wood (7-5, 4.48) to get them a game closer against the Pittsburgh Pirates (35-38).

Travis Wood is coming off his best start of the season, eight scoreless inning against the Phillies. His ERA is slightly deceiving, as two bad starts, eight and nine earned runs, have taken away from an overall solid season. In his three June outings, he’s not allowed more than three earned runs, and has an ERA of 2.29 in those starts.

The Pirates will send Vance Worley (0-0, 0.00) to the hill. He’s making his second start since being called up for Francisco Liriano, who suffered an oblique injury in his last start against the Cubs. He pitched seven scoreless in his Bucs debut against the Marlins, but took a no-decision when the bullpen faltered.

The Cubs have the opportunity to win their third straight series with one more victory this weekend against the Pirates.

The game is slated for a 6:15 pm ET first pitch at Wrigley Field. The game will be televised nationally on FOX, and broadcast on WGN 720.

Here’s are the starting lineups for tonight’s game.