Series Preview: Pirates at Cubs

The Pirates (78-76), officially eliminated from playoff contention, embark on their final road trip of the season, starting off with four at the Cubs (91-64).

The Cubs hold a 2 1/2 game lead over the Brewers in the National League Central. Their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is two; the number for the division is five. The Cubs have won seven of their last 10, having taken two of three at the crosstown rival White Sox over the weekend.

Kris Bryant sat out Sunday’s game with shoulder fatigue. The back of Chicago’s bullpen is in transition, if not quite flux, with injuries to Brandon Morrow and Pedro Strop.

Season Series: 8-7 Cubs

At Chicago

April 10: Pirates 8, Cubs 5

April 11: Cubs 13, Pirates 5

April 12: Pirates 6, Cubs 1

At Pittsburgh

May 28: Cubs 7, Pirates 0

May 29: Cubs 8, Pirates 6

May 30: Pirates 2, Cubs 1

At Chicago

June 8: Cubs 3, Pirates 1

June 9: Cubs 2, Pirates 0

June 10: Pirates 7, Cubs 1

At Pittsburgh

July 31: Pirates 5, Cubs 4

August 1: Cubs 9, Pirates 2

At Pittsburgh

August 16: Cubs 1, Pirates 0

August 17: Cubs 1, Pirates 0

August 18: Pirates 3, Cubs 1

August 19: Pirates 2, Cubs 1, 11 innings

Schedule

Monday, 8:05 p.m. — Jameson Taillon (13-9, 3.24 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (9-10, 3.90); TV: AT&T SportsNet

Tuesday, 8:05 p.m. — Chris Archer (5-8, 4.49) vs. Mike Montgomery (5-5, 3.75); TV: AT&T SportsNet, MLB Network

Wednesday, 8:05 p.m. — Ivan Nova (9-9, 4.01) vs. Jose Quintana (13-11, 4.11); TV: AT&T SportsNet

Thursday, 8:05 p.m. — Trevor Williams (14-9, 3.04) vs. Jon Lester (17-6, 3.43); TV: AT&T SportsNet, MLB Network