Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chi. Cubs Cubs Picks and Predictions May 10th 2024

Chicago Cubs Looking to Snap Out of Funk in Upcoming Pittsburgh Series

The Chicago Cubs are all set to kick their recent batting slump to the curb as they roll into Pittsburgh for a three-game series this Friday against the Pirates.

Struggles at the Plate

It’s been a bit of a rough patch for the Cubs at bat. Take their last game against the San Diego Padres, where they scraped together just one hit and struck out 15 times, ending in a 3-0 loss. It’s part of a bigger trend of averaging just 2.8 runs across the last twelve games, and they’ve stacked up seven losses during that time. Yeah, it’s been tough.

Keeping the Vibes Good

Despite these struggles, Cubs outfielder Ian Happ is keeping the mood upbeat. He’s confident the team can turn things around. “We’ve managed to scrape together what we need to win a few, just haven’t hit the big scores yet,” Happ says, hopeful they can get back to how they kicked off the season. Manager Craig Counsell is also chill about it, pointing out that baseball has its highs and lows, and they’ve faced some top-notch pitchers recently.

Pitching Duel Alert

The series opener is shaping up to be pretty exciting with a solid pitching duel on the cards. The Cubs are up against Pirates’ newbie Jared Jones, who’s been on fire with a 2.63 ERA and a fastball that’s clocked in at the triple digits. After his last outing where he allowed just one hit over seven innings against the Rockies, he seems ready to challenge the Cubs hitters.

On the Cubs’ side, Jameson Taillon, who’s been tearing it up with a 3-0 record and a 1.13 ERA, is ready to take the mound. Taillon, a former Pirate, is definitely looking to make a statement against his old team.

Watch Out for These Pirates

Despite a recent rough streak, the Pirates have a couple of players making some noise. Oneil Cruz has been smashing it, including a recent game where he knocked in a bases-clearing double. He’s racked up two homers and seven RBIs just this month, making him a player to watch. And don’t overlook Connor Joe, who’s been a steady presence in the lineup, keeping the Pirates’ hopes alive.

Looking Ahead

As the Cubs look to shake off their batting woes, this series against the Pirates isn’t just another set of games—it’s a shot at a mid-season turnaround. There’s a bunch of cool matchups to keep an eye on that could really dictate how this series pans out. With both teams eager to prove themselves, we’re in for some seriously entertaining baseball. Bring on the series!