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Pirates' Olivares and Cubs' Happ to Star in High-Octane Baseball Showdown

In the lead-up to the much-anticipated clash between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs, all eyes are on Edward Olivares of the Pirates and Ian Happ of the Cubs, two players who have shown exceptional form in their recent outings. As these teams prepare to face off at PNC Park, fans are eagerly anticipating a game that promises to showcase some of the best talents in baseball today.


Aug 27, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Ji Hwan Bae (3) reacts at second base with a double against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Edward Olivares, playing as an outfielder for the Pirates, has been a beacon of consistency and skill. Over his last three games, Olivares boasted an impressive batting average of .333 with notable on-base percentages that underscore his ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities for his team. His performance has not only been stellar at bat but also flawless in the field, maintaining a perfect fielding percentage which speaks volumes about his defensive capabilities.


On the other side, Ian Happ, an outfielder for the Cubs, has equally impressed with his prowess both at bat and in the field. Happ's batting average stood at .400 in one of the games, complemented by an on-base percentage of .4 and a slugging percentage that highlights his ability to drive runs when it matters most. Like Olivares, Happ has maintained a perfect fielding percentage, proving his worth as a dual-threat player who can impact the game in multiple facets.


Aug 26, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (13) circles the bases on a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates have seen commendable performances from other players as well. Oneil Cruz showcased extraordinary hitting with an average of .667 and an OPS of 1.75 in one game, demonstrating his potential to change the course of a game with his bat. The pitching staff also deserves mention; Aroldis Chapman showed promise with an ERA of 0.0 and striking out 18 per nine innings in one appearance, highlighting the depth of talent within the Pirates' roster.


For the Cubs, beyond Happ's contributions, Cody Bellinger stands out with an astounding batting average of .800 and an OPS of 2.6 in one game – numbers that any team would envy. The pitching department saw Benjamin Brown delivering a shutout performance with an ERA of 0.0 over one game won, showcasing the strength of their bullpen.


Aug 26, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks (36) delivers a pitch in his major league debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As we look forward to this exciting matchup scheduled for May 12th at 17:35 UTC at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, fans can catch all the action live on MARQ network. This game not only features two teams with rich histories but also highlights players like Olivares and Happ whose performances could very well dictate the outcome. Whether you're cheering for the Pirates or rooting for the Cubs, this is one game you won't want to miss as it encapsulates everything we love about baseball – skill, strategy, and suspense.

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