The public is heavily backing the Cubs as big home favorites despite two close, low-scoring games to start the series.
Game Overview
The Pirates enter this rubber match having split the first two games of the series, but they've dropped six of their last eight overall. Meanwhile, the Cubs finally snapped their franchise-record 35-game drought without a comeback win yesterday, improving to 8-5 since the trade deadline. The Cubs have dominated this season series, winning six of nine matchups, with most games being low-scoring affairs (seven of nine have gone under the total).
Key Matchups & Analysis
- Bullpen Game Brewing
Both teams are sending relievers to start this game, with Carmen Mlodzinski (2-7, 4.20 ERA) opening for Pittsburgh and Javier Assad (0-1, 9.00 ERA) making just his second start for Chicago. Mlodzinski has been much better out of the bullpen (2.55 ERA) than as a starter (5.67 ERA) this season. - Cubs' Offensive Struggles
Despite yesterday's win, Chicago's offense continues to sputter, having scored three or fewer runs in 10 of their 14 games this month. Kyle Tucker (.190 since July 1) and Pete Crow-Armstrong (.073 in August before a three-hit game Friday) have been particularly cold. - Pirates' Lack of Firepower
Pittsburgh's offense ranks 28th in MLB with just 3.52 runs per game, and they've managed just three total runs in the first two games of this series. Tommy Pham's solo homer accounted for their only run yesterday. - Ballpark Factors
Wrigley Field has played as one of the most pitcher-friendly parks this season, ranking 25th in run factor (0.898) and 26th in home run factor (0.883). The wind conditions at Wrigley could be critical today with two bullpen games.