Cubs vs. Pirates: Dansby Swanson and Ke'Bryan Hayes Set for Wrigley Field Showdown

First Inning

As the Cubs prepare to host the Pirates at Wrigley Field, all eyes will be on shortstop Dansby Swanson, whose recent performances have been nothing short of stellar. In their last three games, Swanson has demonstrated his prowess both at bat and in the field. Notably, during the game against the Phillies on June 10th, he boasted a batting average of .500 with an on-base percentage of .6 and a slugging percentage of 1.25, leading to an impressive OPS of 1.85. His ability to get on base consistently will be crucial for the Cubs as they look to establish an early lead.

On the mound for the Cubs, starting pitcher Jameson Taillon has shown remarkable consistency with an ERA of 2.842 and a WHIP of 0.9474 over his last outing against the Pirates on June 13th. His control and efficiency are reflected in his pitches per inning rate of just over 14, which could help keep Pittsburgh's hitters off balance from the start.

For the Pirates, third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes stands out as a key player to watch. Hayes delivered a standout performance against Miami on June 11th with a batting average of .667 and an OPS of 1.334, showcasing his potential to disrupt Chicago's defense early in the game.

Middle Innings

As we move into the middle innings, both teams will rely heavily on their bullpen depth to maintain momentum or regain control if needed. For Chicago, reliever Brad Keller has been formidable out of the bullpen with an ERA of 0 across his appearances and striking out batters at a rate of nine per nine innings in recent games.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's Ryan Borucki could play a pivotal role in these innings as well; his zero ERA and WHIP reflect his ability to shut down opposing offenses effectively when called upon.

The Cubs' offense will look towards Nico Hoerner who has maintained a solid batting average over recent games (.500) along with reliable fielding skills (fielding percentage: 1). His presence can provide stability through these crucial innings where errors could shift momentum significantly.

Final Innings

In what promises to be an intense conclusion at Wrigley Field, clutch performances will likely decide this matchup between two competitive squads aiming for victory under pressure conditions late into playtime.

Ian Happ is another name that cannot go unnoticed heading into final stretches; although not highlighted earlier due primarily due lower averages recently compared others mentioned here today - he remains capable delivering decisive hits given past experiences proving invaluable moments needing them most especially home turf advantage comes factor too!

Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen also poses threat late-game scenarios – having hit home run driving three RBIs during encounter Marlins June demonstrating power potential swing any close contest favor visitors if left unchecked defensively speaking course!

Ultimately outcome hinges execution strategy execution respective managers deploy utilizing available resources maximize chances securing win amidst backdrop storied rivalry history shared between franchises involved here today once again meeting iconic venue beloved fans alike eager witness unfold firsthand live broadcasted via MARQ network scheduled take place Sunday afternoon June fifteenth two twenty eastern time zone local Chicago Illinois United States America! Be sure tune catch action unfold share insights thoughts fellow enthusiasts social media platforms expand conversation surrounding anticipated clash titans baseball world stage this weekend ahead!