Chicago Cubs Notes: Jon Lester looks to lead team to sweep in Pittsburgh

Veteran southpaw Jon Lester takes the ball as the Chicago Cubs look to exact revenge on the Pittsburgh Pirates with a series sweep on the road.

After being swept at Wrigley Field by these same Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this month, the Chicago Cubs are ready to turn the tables on their division rival.

Behind ace left-hander Jon Lester, Chicago (12-8) looks to build on its recent momentum, as winners of six of their last seven ballgames. Lester (0-0, 2.66 ERA) is searching for his first win of the year. Through no fault of his own, the offense has come up short for him repeatedly this month.

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In his last start, the veteran turned in his worst start of the season. He allowed five runs on nine hits over just 5 2/3 innings against the Cincinnati Reds. Prior to that, he strung together three-straight starts in which he allowed one run or less.

Young right-hander Tyler Glasnow (0-1, 7.94 ERA) takes the ball opposite Lester for Pittsburgh.

On April 15 against Chicago, Glasnow got roughed up for six runs on half-a-dozen base hits over just five innings of work. He walked two, but struck out seven.

Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Willson Contreras are all batting over .300 in the past seven games for Chicago. Both Anthony Rizzo and Jason Heyward have hit three home runs in their last six games, leading the club’s recent offensive outburst.

Lineups

Here’s how the two squads line up for Wednesday night’s series finale at PNC.

Next: Starting rotation has plenty of room to grow this year

What’s Next

Following Wednesday’s series finale in the Steel City, the Cubs travel to Boston. In a historic matchup at Fenway Park, the Red Sox and Cubs open a series Friday night.

Jake Arrieta takes the ball for Chicago and Boston’s starter is TBD.