Cubs vs. Pirates: Can Ian Happ's Stellar Form Propel Chicago at Wrigley Field?

First Inning

As the Cubs prepare to face off against the Pirates at Wrigley Field, all eyes will be on Ian Happ, the standout outfielder whose recent performances have been nothing short of exceptional. Happ has been a consistent force for the Cubbies, boasting an impressive batting average of .667 and an OPS of 3.467 in their last game against the Phillies. His ability to drive in runs, as evidenced by his three RBIs in that game, makes him a key player to watch in the opening innings.

The Pirates will look to counter with their own offensive prowess. Andrew McCutchen has been a reliable contributor for the Bucs, maintaining a solid .600 batting average and an OPS of 1.4 in one of their recent games against the Marlins. His presence at the plate could pose a challenge for Cubs' pitchers early on.

Middle Innings

As we move into the middle innings, Dansby Swanson's performance will be crucial for maintaining momentum for Chicago. Swanson has shown flashes of brilliance with a .667 batting average and an OPS of 1.667 during one of their previous matchups against the Tigers. His fielding consistency, with a perfect fielding percentage across recent games, adds another layer to his value on both sides of play.

For Pittsburgh, Bryan Reynolds stands out as a formidable opponent with his ability to get on base consistently. With a batting average of .400 and three RBIs against Miami recently, Reynolds can be expected to create scoring opportunities for the Pirates if he maintains this form.

Final Innings

In the final innings, pitching will likely determine which team comes out on top. Caleb Thielbar from Chicago has been effective from the bullpen with an ERA of 0.0 and WHIP of 2.0 over recent outings against Philadelphia, demonstrating his capability to shut down opposing hitters when it matters most.

On Pittsburgh's side, Mitch Keller’s role as starting pitcher will be pivotal; despite having an ERA of 4.5 in his latest appearance against Miami, his ability to strike out batters (6 K/9) could stifle any late-game rallies by Chicago.

As fans eagerly anticipate this matchup at Wrigley Field on June 13th at 2:20 PM ET (broadcasted on SportsNet PT), both teams bring key players who could significantly impact the outcome based on their recent performances.

Don't miss what promises to be an exciting showdown between these two teams! Share this article with fellow baseball enthusiasts and join us in cheering your favorite team to victory!