This is an 8* play on the CUBS

The Cubs failed to come through for us last night as their road woes continued. A 3-2 loss here in Pittsburgh leaves the Cubs not only 23-39 outside of Wrigley, but also out of first place in the NL Central as St. Louis won yesterday to go up a full game in the standings. The Cubs can't afford to drop anymore games in Pittsburgh this weekend and we see them bouncing back Saturday afternoon against a still struggling side that has gone just 7-25 in the second half. It being an early game today works in the Cubs favor as they're 33-17 in day games this year. Pittsburgh is giving up almost six full runs per game at PNC Park, so expect the Cubs bats to wake up after being held to only five hits last night. Jon Lester obviously needs to be better than he has been recently for Chicago. It's a good thing then that he's 3-0 with a 1.31 ERA his last four starts in Pittsburgh. The Pirates will start Steven Brault, who has also been used as a reliever at times. No matter if he's started or come on in relief, Brault has had no career success against the Cubs as is evident by 7.53 ERA in 12 appearances against them. Play on the CUBS

AAA