The Chicago Cubs go on the road to open a three-game series against NL Central rivals the Pittsburgh Pirates. Chicago took two of three from Baltimore over the weekend while Pittsburgh was swept by the Brewers. Chicago had won five in a row before yesterday's loss. They have won seven of their last nine games. The Cubs will send Drew Smyly to the mound. He is 6-4 this season with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.197 WHIP. In his last three starts, Smyly is 1-2 with a 5.09 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP. Pittsburgh has lost six in a row and nine of their last 11 after blowing a lead in the eigth inning and being swept by the Brewers. Osvaldo Bido will look to get a win for the Pirates, It will be his second major league start. He has posted a 2.25 ERA with a 1.75 WHIP and has not collected a win or loss this season. Pittsburgh's bullpen has struggled and is undermanned. They have lost two pitchers this week and used their starter yesterday in a losing effort. Smyly beat the Pirates five days ago and I look for him to do it again as the Cubs have started to hit.

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