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Pirates' Olivares and Cubs' Happ Set to Dazzle in Wrigley Field Showdown

As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to face off against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, all eyes are on Edward Olivares, the Pirates' right fielder, and Ian Happ, the Cubs' left fielder. Both players have shown exceptional performance in their recent games, setting the stage for an electrifying matchup.


May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Yasmani Grandal (6) runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Edward Olivares has been a standout performer for the Pirates, showcasing his skills across the last three games. In one remarkable game against the Brewers, Olivares boasted a batting average of .250 with an on-base percentage (OBP) of .25 and a slugging percentage (SLG) of .25. Over these games, he maintained a consistent performance with an average hitting rate of .250, demonstrating his reliability as a key player for the Pirates.


On the other side, Ian Happ has been making waves for the Cubs with his impressive stats. Despite not getting hits in one of the games against the Braves, Happ's overall performance remains strong. His ability to maintain a batting average of .250 with an OBP of .25 and SLG of .25 in another game underscores his potential to impact the upcoming game significantly.


May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates have other notable players like Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen who have also made significant contributions. Reynolds hit an astonishing 1.000 average with two RBIs in one game, while McCutchen showed prowess with a .750 batting average and one home run in another. Their performances could very well tip the scales in favor of the Pirates.


For the Cubs, Michael Busch and Nick Madrigal have been key contributors alongside Happ. Busch demonstrated his hitting capabilities with a .500 batting average and an OBP of .5 in one game. Similarly, Madrigal impressed with a .750 batting average and OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of 1.55 in another match.


May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele (35) looks on as Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Connor Joe (right) circles the bases on a three run home run during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As both teams gear up for their next encounter, it's clear that players like Olivares and Happ could significantly influence the outcome based on their recent performances. Fans can expect a thrilling game filled with strategic plays and standout moments from these top performers.


The much-anticipated game is scheduled for May 17th at 18:20 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, USA. Fans eager to catch this exciting matchup can tune into MLB Network for live coverage.

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