PREMIUM
The *10* "Coach's Clinic" - Signature Play
(MLB) Chi Cubs vs. Pittsburgh,
Money Line: -139.00 Pittsburgh (Home)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -139.00 Pittsburgh (Home)
Result: Loss
The Pirates were full of confidence coming off a three game sweep of Milwaukee, but the Cubs came into Steel Town and took Game 1 of this series. Game 2 might be a different story though, as the home team looks to exploit a mismatch on the mound.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - Francisco Liriano will be on the hill for the home team, and he's been very effective so far this season. Liriano (0-1, 2.08 ERA) was on the wrong side of a 1-0 pitcher's duel versus Detroit in his most recent start. The Cubs will counter with Travis Wood, who has been much better at home in Chicago than he has been on the road. Wood was 5-7 with a 5.47 ERA in 15 starts on the road last year.
2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Jordy Mercer is 5-for-11 with a pair of home runs and three RBIs lifetime versus Wood, and Andrew McCutchen is hitting .259 with a pair of home runs and seven RBIs in 27 career at bats versus the southpaw.
3. X-Factor - The Pirates have won 35 of their last 51 home games, and six of Liriano's last eight starts versus Chicago.
Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates .(10*)
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - Francisco Liriano will be on the hill for the home team, and he's been very effective so far this season. Liriano (0-1, 2.08 ERA) was on the wrong side of a 1-0 pitcher's duel versus Detroit in his most recent start. The Cubs will counter with Travis Wood, who has been much better at home in Chicago than he has been on the road. Wood was 5-7 with a 5.47 ERA in 15 starts on the road last year.
2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Jordy Mercer is 5-for-11 with a pair of home runs and three RBIs lifetime versus Wood, and Andrew McCutchen is hitting .259 with a pair of home runs and seven RBIs in 27 career at bats versus the southpaw.
3. X-Factor - The Pirates have won 35 of their last 51 home games, and six of Liriano's last eight starts versus Chicago.
Selection: This is a play on the Pittsburgh Pirates .(10*)