Cubs' Ian Happ Poised to Shine Against Pirates at Wrigley Field

First Inning

As the Cubs gear up to face the Pirates at Wrigley Field, all eyes will be on Ian Happ, the standout left fielder for the Cubbies. Over the last three games, Happ has demonstrated remarkable consistency and power at the plate. His performance against the Phillies was particularly noteworthy, where he achieved a batting average of .667 with an impressive OPS of 3.467. This level of play is indicative of his ability to make significant contributions early in the game.

In contrast, the Pirates' Bryan Reynolds has struggled recently with a batting average of .000 in one of his latest outings. However, Andrew McCutchen remains a reliable force for Pittsburgh, hitting .600 in one game and contributing significantly to their offensive efforts.

Middle Innings

As we move into the middle innings, Dansby Swanson's role as shortstop for Chicago cannot be overlooked. Swanson's performance has been solid across recent games, with an average of .500 and an OPS of 1.85 in one outing against Philadelphia. His ability to get on base and drive in runs will be crucial as the Cubs look to build momentum through these innings.

On the mound, Drew Pomeranz has been a steady presence for Chicago with an ERA of 0.0 over his appearances and a WHIP of 1.0. His control and efficiency could prove pivotal in keeping Pittsburgh's hitters at bay during these critical innings.

For Pittsburgh, Ke'Bryan Hayes stands out as a key player with his fielding prowess and consistent hitting performance—averaging .667 in one game while maintaining a perfect fielding percentage throughout recent matchups.

Late Innings

As we approach the late innings, expect Ian Happ to continue making waves both offensively and defensively for Chicago. His ability to maintain pressure on opposing pitchers can create opportunities for other Cubs players like Nico Hoerner, who also boasts strong recent performances with averages around .500.

The Pirates will likely rely on their bullpen strength led by David Bednar and Dennis Santana—both have maintained ERAs of 0.0 recently—to close out any tight situations that arise late in the game.

Ultimately, this matchup promises excitement as both teams bring formidable talent to Wrigley Field on June 14th at 2:20 PM ET. Fans can catch all the action live on MARQ Network from Chicago’s iconic venue located at 1060 West Addison Street.

Don't miss out on what promises to be an exhilarating showdown between these two competitive squads! Share this article with fellow baseball enthusiasts so they too can join in anticipating this thrilling encounter!