The Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-0 last night at PNC Park, handing the Bucs their eighth loss in a row. They have now been shutout in three of their last five games. Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman held the Pirates scoreless for seven innings for his seventh consecutive victory. Pirates starter Johan Oviedo allowed two runs on five hits over six innings of work. The Pirates bats have been scoreless over the last 24 innings.
The Bucs will send Rich Hill to the mound today to try and avoid a third consecutive series sweep. Game time is 12:35pm. Pre-game on WISR will follow the Noon News.
After starting the season with a 20-9 overall record, the Pirates have gone 14-30. They have now slipped to fourth place in the National League Central Division, four games behind the now first place Cincinnati Reds.
The Pirates played Tuesday’s game without veterans Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds. McCutchen is dealing with a right elbow injury and Reynolds is dealing with a sore back.