chicago cubs have found their stride, and they’re doing so at the cost of pittsburgh pirates
Chicago is 8-2 in its last 10 games, including Pirates 8-0 wins at home last week and Monday in Pittsburgh in the first of a three-game set
cub They will continue to beat their National League Central rivals on Tuesday when they continue their current series with the hosts Pirates
A catalyst for Chicago’s recent success has been outfielder Mike Tauchman, who was 3-for-5 with two runs and three RBI from the leadoff spot on Monday. He is 10-for-25 (.400) with one homer and seven RBI in his last seven games.
Chicago manager David Ross said, “Having him at the top (of the lineup), really started our offense.”
PiratesIn contrast, have lost seven in a row and are struggling to score
After Sunday’s loss at Milwaukee, Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton challenged his club to find a way to make things click on offense. The response was less than compelling, because Pirates Were held to five hits in series-opening loss cub
Pittsburgh has scored 17 runs on its seven-game losing streak, while scoring six in the last four games.
“We have to get better,” Shelton said. “We have to find a way to get better.”
One potential spark is Henry Davis, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 draft who was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis before Monday’s game. Offense is his main calling card, and he doubled in his first major-league at-bat and went 1-for-3 with a walk in the series opener.
Davis projects as a catcher, but Pirates Still behind the plate are Austin Hedges and Jason Dilley. In his short stint at Triple-A (10 games), Davis has found some action in right field, where he started Monday
“Primarily, he’s going to play right field, and he’ll do some DH,” Shelton told AT&T Sportsnet. “That’s not to say he won’t get behind the plate, but (Hedges and Delay) are both here and will get the bulk of playing time (there).”
On Tuesday, Chicago right-hander Marcus Stroman (8-4, 2.45 ERA) is scheduled to start against Pittsburgh right-hander Johan Oviedo (3-6, 4.40).
The two starters went up against each other on Thursday, when cub won 7-2
Oviedo struck out eight but allowed four runs in 4 1/3 innings to take the loss in that meeting, while Stroman allowed two runs on four hits in six innings and earned the win.
This was Strowman’s first career win against Pirates in six appearances (five starts). He is 1-3 with a 3.41 ERA against Pittsburgh.
It was also Strowman’s sixth consecutive victory. He has a 1.51 ERA during that stretch, spread over 41 2/3 innings.
Strowman realized that Chicago, Pirateswas catching fire
“I think we’ve got a little momentum going now,” Stroman said. “Things finally turned in our favor.”
Oviedo, on the other hand, has lost his last three decisions. He appeared in eight career appearances (seven starts). cub
– Field Level Media