The Chicago Cubs are looking strong to start the season. The team has put together three excellent offensive showings and are starting to show signs of life at the plate. After having one of the worst offenses in the major leagues last season, this change is very welcomed by fans. Now, the Cubs will look to win their second straight game as they close out their series with the Pirates.
Chicago only averaged 3.7 runs last season, while hitting .218 with runners in scoring position. The start to their 2014 season looked much of the same as Chicago lost their first four of five behind just eight runs total while batting .216 overall. However, they have since put together 21 runs and hit over .375 with runners in scoring position. Anthony Rizzo has found his swing, going 10 for 15 in four games. Emilio Bonifacio is in the same boat, hitting .500 on the year.
Chicago will be facing one of PIttsburgh'a best guys. Gerrit Cole has a 2.57 ERA to start the year. He has a 2.08 ERA against the Cubs, going 2-0 in his first season in the major leagues. In his first start, the pitcher tossed 108 pitchers in seven innings, allowing just a two-run homer. He has a 1.64 ERA in his last five starts.
The Cubs will bring back Travis Wood. He is 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA against Pittsburgh. He gave up four runs and six hits in his first start that equaled a loss against the Philadelphia Phillies. Pirates' Pedro Alvarez is just 1 for 15 against Wood, but he is on a hot streak this season and could make some noise.
