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Olivares and Happ: Pirates and Cubs' Stars Clash at Wrigley Field

In the lead-up to the much-anticipated showdown at Wrigley Field, both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. At the heart of this matchup are two standout performers from each team, Edward Olivares of the Pirates and Ian Happ of the Cubs, whose recent performances have set the stage for a thrilling contest.


May 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first base Rowdy Tellez (44) scores against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Edward Olivares, playing as an outfielder for the Pirates, has been a beacon of consistency and power. Over his last three games, Olivares showcased his prowess by hitting .500 with a home run and two RBIs in one game, followed by a .250 average but maintaining a solid on-base percentage. His ability to contribute significantly in clutch moments was highlighted by his OPS of 2.0 in one of these games, underscoring his status as a critical asset for the Pirates.


On the other side, Ian Happ, an outfielder for the Cubs, has also stamped his authority with notable performances. Happ's versatility was on full display when he managed to hit .250 with an RBI and maintained an OPS of 1.25 in one game. His knack for getting on base and driving in crucial runs has been vital for the Cubs' offensive strategy.


May 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates have seen commendable performances from other players as well. Bryan Reynolds and Connor Joe have been instrumental with their bats, contributing significantly to their team's efforts. Reynolds hit .750 with a home run in one game, demonstrating his explosive potential at the plate.


For the Cubs, Michael Tauchman and Seiya Suzuki provided depth and firepower. Tauchman hit .400 with a home run in one game, while Suzuki matched this feat in another game, showcasing their ability to change the course of a game with their batting.


May 16, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jared Jones (37) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning against the at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

As we look forward to this clash at Wrigley Field between these storied franchises, it's clear that players like Olivares and Happ could very well dictate the outcome of this game. Their recent performances hint at potentially game-changing contributions in this upcoming matchup.


Fans eager to catch this action live can tune into MARQ network or head down to Wrigley Field in Chicago on May 19th at 18:20 UTC. With both teams boasting such talent and form, this encounter is poised to be a memorable addition to their historic rivalry.

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