Pirates at Cubs 9/14/19 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Saturday MLB schedule will get underway with a matinee between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs from Wrigley Field. On Friday, Pittsburgh SP Steven Brault (4-5) was rocked for ten runs and recorded just eight outs during a 17-8 road loss against Chicago. Kevin Newman and Pablo Reyes had three hits apiece for the Pirates, who lost for the 82nd time.

Rookie right-hander James Marvel (0-1 3.60 ERA) will make his second career major league start for the Pirates. Last time out, Marvel allowed four hits in five innings during a 2-0 home loss versus St. Louis.

The Chicago Cubs have won 47 of their 71 home games and are vying for a postseason spot. On Friday, C Willson Contreras clubbed two of Chicago’s five home runs on the afternoon. Anthony Rizzo collected three hits and drove in four runs for the Cubs, who trail St. Louis by 3.5 games for the NL Central Division lead.

Chicago manager Joe Maddon will turn to right-hander Kyle Hendricks (10-9 3.33 ERA) on Saturday. The Cubs have won each of Hendricks’ last four starts and he has allowed eight runs over his last 23 plus frames.