Cubs-Pirates Pointers

The division rival Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to renew hostilities on Thursday when they meet at PNC Park.

Lefthander Rich Hill will take the mound for the Cubs to start this game. Hill is 0-0 this season with a 3.00 ERA.

Starting this game for the Pirates will be Matt Morris. The righthander has a 5.40 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.

NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 140-moneyline favorites versus the Pirates, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Felix Pie drove in the winning run to lead the Cubs to a 6-4 win over the Pirates in 15 innings on Wednesday, as -130 favorites. The 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9.5).

Aramis Ramirez was 3-for-7 with a two-run blast for the Cubs. Kevin Hart got the win in relief, and Sean Marshall allowed one hit in closing out the game for his three games.

Aramis Ramirez was 3-for-7 with a two-run blast for the Cubs. Kevin Hart got the win in relief, and Sean Marshall allowed one hit in closing out the game.

Jason Bay was 3-for-5 at the plate with a solo home run for the Pirates. Phil Dumatrait gave up four runs off three hits in relief to get tagged with the loss.

Current streak:
Chicago has won 4 straight games.
Pittsburgh has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Chicago: 5-3 SU
Pittsburgh: 3-5 SU

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing Pittsburgh are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Cincinnati are 6-4
After playing Chi Cubs are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

Next up:
Chi Cubs at Philadelphia, Friday, April 11
Pittsburgh home to Cincinnati, Friday, April 11

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