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Pirates' Andrew McCutchen Poised to Challenge Cubs at Wrigley Field

First Inning


As the Pirates prepare to face off against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, all eyes will be on Andrew McCutchen, the standout right fielder for the Bucs. Over the past three games, McCutchen has been a consistent force at the plate, boasting an impressive batting average of .450. His performance in the June 9th game against the Marlins was particularly noteworthy, where he achieved a .600 average with an OPS of 1.4. This level of performance makes him a key player to watch as he steps up to bat in this upcoming clash.


Apr 29, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) gestures as he circles the bases on a two run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

On the mound for Pittsburgh, Mitch Keller has shown potential despite some inconsistencies. With an ERA of 4.5 and a WHIP of 1.33 over his last outing against Miami on June 10th, Keller will need to tighten his control and leverage his strikeout ability to keep Chicago's hitters at bay.


Second Inning


Bryan Reynolds, another crucial outfielder for Pittsburgh, has also demonstrated solid hitting capabilities with a .400 average in one of his recent games against Miami. His fielding prowess complements his offensive contributions, making him a dual threat that could significantly impact this matchup.


Apr 29, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (right) congratulates center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) crossing home plate on a two run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, Ke'Bryan Hayes continues to be reliable both defensively and offensively for Pittsburgh. His consistent fielding percentage of 1.0 across all recent games underscores his defensive reliability at third base. Offensively, Hayes managed a home run on June 10th against Miami with an OPS of 1.25 in that game alone.


Third Inning


For the Cubs, Ian Happ stands out as their offensive leader with remarkable performances across recent games. On June 10th against Philadelphia, Happ recorded an extraordinary OPS of 3.467 and drove in three runs with a batting average of .667. His ability to deliver under pressure will be crucial if Chicago aims to secure victory over Pittsburgh.


Sep 4, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Domingo Germán (0) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Dansby Swanson is another key player for Chicago who can turn the tide in favor of the Cubs with his strong batting skills demonstrated by an OPS of 1.85 during their game on June 10th against Philadelphia.


Fourth Inning


As we move into later innings, pitching becomes even more critical for both teams. For Pittsburgh, reliever Isaac Mattson has been effective out of the bullpen with no earned runs allowed and a K/9 rate of 13.5 during his last appearance on June 10th against Miami.


The Cubs’ bullpen strength lies in Ryan Brasier’s recent performances where he maintained an ERA of zero across multiple appearances while achieving a K/9 rate as high as 27 during their game on June 8th against Detroit.


Fifth Inning


With both teams showcasing formidable talents both offensively and defensively, this matchup promises excitement from start to finish at Wrigley Field. Fans can expect strategic plays from both sides as they vie for dominance throughout each inning.


Catch all the action live when these two teams meet on June 12th at Wrigley Field in Chicago at 8:05 PM Eastern Time broadcasted by SportsNet PT network! Don’t miss out on what promises to be an exhilarating showdown between these two storied franchises!


Remember to share this article with fellow baseball enthusiasts who are eager for insights into this thrilling matchup!

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