Pirates vs Cubs @ 12:05ct

[Smiley2307]

CHC: RHP Carlos Zambrano (6-1, 2.03 ERA)
Zambrano's last start was a good one. He went 2-for-4 at the plate and also picked up the win in a romp over the Padres. Big Z gave up three runs on six hits and two walks over seven innings while striking out five, and is off to the best start of his career. The right-hander improved to 4-0 with a 1.96 ERA at home. He's probably happiest with his at-bats. Zambrano loves to hit, and he got two at-bats in the Cubs' six-run fifth inning. He now has hit safely in his last four starts, going 5-for-10 with a double and a homer.

PIT: LHP Zach Duke (2-2, 4.04 ERA)
Duke continues to impress, as he moved to 2-0 with a 2.21 ERA in three starts this month. The lefty has now allowed three or fewer runs in six of his eight starts and continues to show quality movement on all of his pitches. Duke's most potent pitch right now, though, is his sinkerball, which is the biggest reason for the high number of ground-ball outs Duke has induced. That sinker is being complemented by an above-average changeup as well. Duke is 0-1 against the Cubs this season and has allowed six runs to Chicago in 11 innings pitched.