After coming out of the break with a vengeance, Chicago Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta looks to pick up the 10th win of his career against the Pirates.
Ever since Jake Arrieta pitched the Chicago Cubs past the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2015 National League Wild Card Game, you can’t help but think about it when these two teams square off.
Throw in the fact Arrieta is in the midst of another strong second half. Combined, you have a nice little storyline heading into Tuesday’s matchup between these division rivals. Chicago (70-60) took the opener behind a strong outing from Mike Montgomery. They look for a second-straight win at Wrigley – and that may lie in the hands of their bearded right-hander.
Arrieta (13-8, 3.49) has been downright filthy of-late. Prior to the All-Star Game, he pitched to a 4.35 ERA in 18 starts. In his eight outings since, he owns a 1.78 earned run average, going 5-1 over that stretch. He’s no stranger to dominant second halves, given his 2015 run earned him the National League Cy Young. Still, it’s as impressive as ever to behold.
Opposite Arrieta, right-hander Chad Kuhl takes the ball for Pittsburgh (63-69). The Cubs roughed him up earlier this year at Wrigley and hope to replicate those results again Tuesday.
Tommy La Stella has another start. In the last 28 days, the Chicago infielder owns an impressive .364/.421/.667 slash-line. He’s in the number five spot behind Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo.
Starting Lineups
Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup against the #Pirates.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 29, 2017
Game preview: https://t.co/yTdkE64c4e pic.twitter.com/DxSxqBcXRx
Here's the lineup for tonight.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 29, 2017
📺 @ATTSportsNetPIT
📻 @937theFan & the PRN#LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/XDhjC5lQJr
Next: Former Cub Samardzija clears waivers, but reunion unlikely
What’s Next
Chicago and Pittsburgh conclude their three-game set on Wednesday night at the Friendly Confines.
Ivan Nova (11-11, 3.97) starts for the Pirates while Jose Quintana (8-11, 4.49) toes the rubber for the Cubs.