Cubs at Pirates 7/2/19 - MLB Picks & Predictions

NL Central Division rivals will clash on Tuesday night, when the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series from PNC Park. Last night, Chicago SP Adbert Alzolay was rocked for seven runs and recorded just eight outs during an ugly 18-5 defeat. Javier Baez crushed his 21st home run for the Cubs, who fell a game back of division leading Milwaukee.

Twenty-nine year old righty Kyle Hendricks (7-5 3.36 ERA) will come off the injury list to make his first start since June 14th. Through 88 plus innings, Hendricks has issued just 16 walks and given up nine home runs. The Pittsburgh Pirates are hosting this four-game series and really have a chance to make a move in the standings. On Monday, All-Star 1B Josh Bell clobbered three home runs and drove in seven runs to power the Pittsburgh offense. Adam Frazier had a five-hit night and scored three times out of the leadoff spot for the Pirates, who are five games out of first place.

The Pirates will counter with twenty-six year old righty Joe Musgrove (6-7 4.27 ERA) on Tuesday. Musgrove has won consecutive starts and has allowed just one run over his last 13 innings of work.