Opinion
3 min read

Can Cubs Harness Momentum to Overcome Pirates at Wrigley Field?

In the realm of baseball, momentum is as crucial as skill, and the Chicago Cubs are a testament to this adage. As they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation. The Cubs have shown a remarkable ability to bounce back and harness momentum in their recent games, making this upcoming match a focal point for speculation on whether they can continue their upward trajectory.


May 12, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Héctor Neris (51) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Cubs won 5-4 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Cubs' performance in their last three games has been nothing short of impressive. On May 10th against the Pirates in Pittsburgh, despite committing three errors, they managed to secure a 7-2 victory thanks to an explosive seventh inning where they scored four runs. Their hitting was on point with a .350 average for the game, showcasing their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities even when under pressure.


Following this victory, the Cubs continued their offensive onslaught by scoring nine runs against the same team on May 11th. This time around, their bullpen struggled slightly but was supported amply by an offense that seemed unstoppable. A seven-run fifth inning highlighted their ability not only to hit but also to do so clutchly.


May 12, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs first baseman Patrick Wisdom (16) hits a solo home  run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the tenth inning at PNC Park. The Cubs won 5-4 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

However, it was perhaps their performance on May 12th that truly encapsulated the resilience and fighting spirit of this team. After trailing early in the game against the Pirates once again, they rallied back from behind in extra innings to win 5-4. This victory underscored not just their batting prowess but also showcased significant improvements in pitching from both starters and relievers compared with earlier outings.


On the other side of this matchup stands a determined Pittsburgh Pirates team that has had its moments of brilliance but has struggled for consistency throughout these encounters with Chicago Cubs (CHC). Despite showing potential for explosive innings themselves — notably during a third inning where they scored four runs on May 11th — maintaining momentum has been challenging.


May 12, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs second baseman Nick Madrigal (1) tags Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Connor Joe (2) out on a caught stealing run down between first and second bases during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As we look ahead to May 19th at Wrigley Field at 1:20 PM CT broadcasted live on MARQ network; all eyes will be on whether CHC can maintain its offensive firepower while tightening up its defense further. The key question remains: Can CHC harness its recent momentum effectively enough to overcome PIT's challenge? Given CHC's recent performances and evident growth areas such as improved pitching stats including ERA reductions across both starters and relievers alongside more disciplined hitting — it seems plausible.


This upcoming game promises not just another chapter in these teams' storied rivalry but also offers CHC an opportunity to solidify its standing through strategic playmaking and leveraging home-field advantage effectively against PIT's attempts at redemption.

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