There was a typical theme within the Chicago Cubs’ latest losses: an incapacity to supply with runners on base. It is one thing the Cubs will look to rectify on Saturday once they host the Pittsburgh Pirates within the third matchup of a four-game set.
The Cubs stranded 9 runners and went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring place in a 2-1, 10-inning loss on Friday. In a 7-2 defeat to the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, they left seven on base and had been 1-for-7 with an opportunity to attain. The loss earlier than that (4-3 in 11 innings in opposition to Philadelphia on Monday) noticed Chicago go away eight on base whereas going 1-for-8 with runners in scoring place.
“Look, we wish to have a very good course of, that is what you may management,” Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell stated. “However that at all times entails swinging at balls — the precise pitches — so that does not change regardless of who’s pitching, it is at all times the identical.”
Seiya Suzuki was the one Cubs batter to attach for a number of hits on Friday, with six others accounting for the remaining.
A type of was Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has successful in 9 of 11 video games in June. The middle fielder has not gone greater than two video games and not using a hit this season.
The 23-year-old is not afraid to go after pitches exterior the zone, with a 43.9 p.c chase price, nicely above the main league common (28.5 p.c). And it hasn’t damage him on the plate, as he would not have a excessive strikeout price.
“There’s actually no clear option to assault him,” Chicago pitcher Jameson Taillon stated after Crow-Armstrong homered within the Cubs’ 3-2 win in opposition to Pittsburgh. “All of us thought he was going to hit within the huge leagues, however the energy is loopy. He is placing balls method again within the seats in opposition to good, powerful pitches.”
Matthew Boyd (5-3, 2.89 ERA) will take the mound for the Cubs on Saturday.
The left-hander, who gave up two runs (one earned) on eight hits in six innings throughout a no-decision in opposition to the Phillies on Monday, will probably be on the lookout for his first profession win in opposition to the Pirates. He’s 0-3 with a 6.53 ERA in six profession begins vs. Pittsburgh. Boyd threw 5 innings of two-run ball in a no-decision at Pittsburgh on April 30.
The Pirates, in the meantime, will probably be seeking to sustain a profitable stretch that has seen them win seven of their previous 10 video games. 4 of these wins had been determined by a run.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa related for the game-winning run on Friday, driving in automated runner Adam Frazier with a Tenth-inning sacrifice fly. Again at shortstop this season after spending loads of time final 12 months both at second or third, the 30-year-old veteran is beginning to discover his method after a proper hamstring pressure sidelined him in early Could.
“We obtained an extended option to go,” Kiner-Falefa stated. “Engaged on it every single day, nonetheless getting used to being again at shortstop. So, anytime you’ve these video games and make some performs, simply construct off the momentum. Simply doing the very best I can on the market, and I feel it will get higher.”
Mike Burrows (1-1, 5.00 ERA) will get the nod for the Pirates. It will likely be the primary profession look in opposition to the Cubs for the right-hander, in his sixth main league recreation (his fifth this 12 months).
–Subject Stage Media