Opinion
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Pirates to Embark on Offensive Siege Against Cubs at Wrigley Field

As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to face off against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, all eyes are on what promises to be an electrifying game. The Pirates, coming off a series of performances that have both thrilled and disappointed their fans, are looking to assert their dominance in this upcoming match scheduled for May 19th.


May 12, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar (51) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

In their last encounter with the Cubs on May 12th, the Pirates showed resilience but ultimately fell short in a heart-wrenching extra innings loss, ending with a score of 5-4 in favor of the Cubs. Despite this setback, there were glimmers of hope and tactical brilliance that could be pivotal for the Pirates as they gear up for revenge. Notably, their hitting statistics from that game reveal areas where they can potentially exploit the Cubs' pitching staff. With an overall batting average of .222 and an OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of .758 from that game, it's clear that while hits were hard to come by, when they did connect with the ball, it was impactful.


The previous games have shown a trend where late rallies and strategic hits play a crucial role in shifting momentum. For instance, during their victory over the Cubs on May 11th with a thrilling scoreline of 10-9 showcasing an explosive offense led by home runs and critical RBI (Runs Batted In) situations capitalized upon by Pirate hitters. This performance highlighted not just resilience but also clutch hitting - something they'll need against Chicago's formidable bullpen.


May 12, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs first baseman Patrick Wisdom (16) circles the bases on 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's not just about offense; defense will play a crucial role too. On May 10th against CHC where errors contributed significantly to their downfall in a 7-2 loss shows room for improvement defensively which could turn potential losses into wins if tightened up.


The key for PIT lies in maintaining pressure throughout all nine innings while minimizing errors both defensively and on base paths. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities especially when runners are in scoring position will be critical against CHC’s pitchers who have shown vulnerability under pressure as seen during past encounters between these two teams.


May 12, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs third baseman Christopher Morel (5) celebrates his two run home run with firs baseman Patrick Wisdom (16)  against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As we look towards this clash at Wrigley Field, fans should expect PIT’s lineup to leverage its power-hitting capabilities while being mindful of defensive plays that keep them competitive throughout each inning. The blend of strategic hitting along with solid fielding is what might set apart winners from losers in this highly anticipated matchup.


Fans eager not to miss any action can catch live broadcasts on MARQ network starting at 1:20 PM local time from Chicago’s iconic venue Wrigley Field located at IL zip code area 60613 – promising an afternoon filled with high stakes baseball excitement.

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