Chicago Cubs: Key to success against the Pittsburgh Pirates

Sep 23, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder

(68) is congratulated for hitting a home run by manager Joe Maddon (70) during the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Pirates a favorite target of Cubs’ bats

Against all opponents this season, the Chicago offense has fared better against only one opponent apart from the Bucs.

In 16 contests, the Cubs are batting .291/.363/.397against Pittsburgh – going 10-6 in the process. While the power numbers have been lacking, the fact that the offense is clicking to the tune of a near-.300 mark is promising heading into such a high-stakes series.

Leading the charge is Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant – both of whom could eclipse 100 RBI this weekend at the Friendly Confines. Bryant enters the series sitting at 98, while Rizzo is hot on his heels at 95.

The latter has been unstoppable against Pittsburgh in 2015, posting a .400/.480/.633 slash-line  to go along with three long-balls and 11 RBI. Bryant, meanwhile, has a 1.022 OPS against Pittsburgh – meaning both of the Cubs’ big boppers have found immense success against Clint Hurdle‘s club this year.

So while there’s plenty more that goes into the equation, the offense – which has been feast-or-famine quite a bit this year – has been gorging themselves on Pirates pitching this season.

Next: Middle-of-the-road results on the hill