Pirates

Pirates Preview: Cubs Come to Town For a Four-Game Series

Published

8 months ago

August 24, 2023

The Pittsburgh Pirates (57-70) fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 6-3 on Wednesday afternoon as the Red Birds avoided a series sweep by salvaging the series.

In the loss, Luis Ortiz’s struggles this season continued in his first start since being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. The right-hander allowed five runs in 3.1 innings pitched.

Andrew McCutchen finished the game 3 for 4 with three doubles and a walk. It was the first game in his career in which he hit three doubles.

Now, the Pirates turn their sights to the Chicago Cubs for a four-game series beginning Thursday night.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 ET and the game will be aired on AT&T SportsNet.

Weather

There’s a 30% chance of thunderstorms for first pitch with temperatures in the lower-80s. Winds SW at 5-10 mph.

The Pirates Have Yet to Announce a Starter

The Cubs Will Send Out LHP Justin Steele (14-3, 2.80 ERA)

Steele, an All-Star for the first time this season, has been exceptional for the Chicago Cubs this season.

Amongst MLB starters, Steele is tied for first in wins, is second in ERA while allowing the second-fewest home runs per nine innings (0.682 HR/9).

Despite all that, Steele hasn’t looked quite like himself despite having a 3-0 record in four starts. The left-hander has allowed 11 runs in 22.1 innings pitched (4.43 ERA).

In four appearances (three starts) against the Pirates in his career, Steele is 1-1 with a 4.08 ERA.

Pirates Hitters vs. Steele

Andrew McCutchen: 1 for 15, four strikeouts
Bryan Reynolds: 2 for 7, one home run, one RBI, one walk, one strikeout
Ke’Bryan Hayes: 2 for 4, one double, one home run, two RBIs, one walk
Connor Joe: 2 for 4, one walk
Jack Suwinski: 0 for 3, one strikeout

Tidbits

With one more home run, McCutchen will reach 300 home runs in his career. When he does, he will become the 13th player in history with at least 2,000 hits, 400 doubles, 45 triples, 300 home runs and 200 steals.
Since returning from the injured list earlier this month, Hayes is hitting .288 (21 for 73) with five doubles, a triple, four home runs and 14 RBIs in 18 games.
In the series against the Cardinals, Joe reached base nine times — six hits, one walk and two hit by pitches.