I like the Cubs int his spot and think they have a significant enough advantage on the mound tonight with Jason Hammel stepping up to face the Pirates in his second start in a row. Hammel will be back at home for this one where he has 2 7 inning performances a year ago against the Pirates allowing just 5 ER combined. Hammel has had some bad luck this year to start and his raw stats indicate he should get his ERA back down in the 3's. He's striking out more than 8 per 9 and he's walking less than 1 per 9. That's impressive when you consider Vance Worley is walking 4 guys per 9 innings right now.

Worley also on 4 days rest and going on the road which is not an easy task for anyone. Worley is off 106 pitches in his last outing which was also against the Cubs who are ranked higher than the Pirates in OPS vs. RHP 13th vs. 22nd. I also like the fact that Hammel in his last 3 years has a 2.64 ERA in his April starts v.s Worley who has a 4.45. Worley has been the luckier starting pitcher so far this year and the Cubs are coming in hot at the right time scoring 5.81 runs per 9 vs. RHP over their last 5 games.

Where to find Freddy?