Chicago Cubs: Pirates versus Cubs series preview

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 17: Addison Russell
PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 17: Addison Russell /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 26: Manager Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs looks on against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 26: Manager Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs looks on against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The Chicago Cubs are looking to end the first half of the season on a high note as they host the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend at Wrigley Field.

Talk to any Chicago Cubs fans and they will tell you 2017 is not going the way many would like. After dropping Thursday’s game against the Brewers, the Cubs fell to 42-43 on the season, 4 1/2 games out of first place.

Just as the Cubs are trying to gain traction this season, so are the Pirates. Currently, Pittsburgh sits seven games out of first place at 40-46. With a minus-33 run differential, one would think the Pirates would be further out of contention, but a weak National League Central has kept them in the race.

For these two division rivals, this series could prove to be a pivotal point in the season.

Let’s break down how each team has gotten to where they are now.