The Chicago Cubs (18-26) will look to take the final game in their road series at PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates (27-18) after dropping the past two games. The first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET and will air live on ROOT Sports, MLB.com with a paid subscription and here.
The Pirates rotation will look to keep up their recent success on Tuesday. Pittsburgh is 9-2 over its last 11 games thanks in large part to a 2.34 ERA while limiting opponents to a .233 average.
Francisco Lirano (2-0) will get the start for Pittsburgh. The right-hander has played a major role in the team's recent success with an undefeated record and a 1.64 ERA.
Liriano is coming off a winning effort against Milwaukee on May 16 where he threw 5.2 innings and allowed just one run. Pittsburgh has capitalized off of the success of their rotation to take eight of their last ten games and currently own a two-game winning streak, both wins coming against Chicago.
The Cubs will answer with Jeff Samardzija (2-5). The former Notre Dame standout currently holds a 3.49 ERA and has dominated the Pirates during the course of his career - especially at PNC Park.
Samardzija is 4-0 with a 0.92 ERA in 14 games - three starts - against them. All of the wins - including the three starts - have come in his last four visits to Pittsburgh, compiling a 0.69 ERA.
The right-hander dominated on opening day, striking out nine and allowing two hits in eight shutout innings of a 3-1 win April 1. However, he hadn't won again until last Wednesday, when he allowed two runs in eight innings of a 6-3 victory over Colorado.
Samardzija will have his hand full with an improving Pirates lineup. During their last 11 games, Pittsburgh has improved their batting average to .255 - 10 points higher than the team's season mark.
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