Chicago Cubs: Pirates versus Cubs series preview

Solid starting pitching, bullpen have carried the Pirates

The Pirates, who are in the cellar of the NL Central, have not fared well offensively this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom half of the league in runs scored, team batting average, OBP and slugging percentage. For that reason, the Pirates have had to rely on solid starting pitching and a good bullpen to stay afloat.

With Gerrit Cole sporting an ERA north of 4.00 thus far, Ivan Nova has assumed the role of ace. In 17 starts, Nova has recorded a 3.24 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 114 innings pitched.

Along with Nova, Jameson Taillon is posting solid numbers. In 11 starts, Taillon is 5-2 with 2.73 ERA in 62 2/3 innings pitched.

Thus far, the Pirates’ bullpen has been solid, particularly Felipe Rivero and Juan Nicasio. In 43 appearances, Rivero owns a 0.78 ERA. To go with that, Rivero has struck out 54 batters and yielded just 22 hits in 46 innings pitched. Tied with Rivero at 14 holds is Juan Nicasio. Nicasio has appeared in 42 games, and posted a 2.54 ERA. Both Rivero and Nicasio have helped solidify the Pirates’ bullpen this season.