Pregame Notes: Jake Arrieta looks to close homestand with W

After a thrilling win on Saturday afternoon that ran the Chicago Cubs’ winning streak to an even half-dozen ballgames, right-hander Jake Arrieta will look to close out the home stand with one final ‘W’ in the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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Arrieta (4-3, 3.00) has never lost a start against the Pirates, a team that has now lost four-straight contests. Last time he faced Pittsburgh, he allowed one run, striking out seven in seven innings of work back on April 20. In his last start at Wrigley Field, he was ace-caliber, tossing eight frames of one-run ball, striking out 10 Mets hitters.

He will be opposed by veteran right-hander A.J. Burnett, who has not allowed more than two runs in his first seven starts this season. He carries a 1.60 earned run average this season – which is his last go-round in Major League Baseball.

First pitch is set for 1:20 p.m. CT this afternoon at Wrigley Field. The game will be broadcast on both WGN for those of you near Chicago or MLB Network for others. WBBM 780 will carry the radio broadcast.

Here are today’s starting lineups.

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