This is a 1* FREE PLAY on the Cubs.

The Pirates lost two of three at home to Miami over the weekend, including yesterday's contest by a score of 6-5. I believe that Pittsburgh will struggle again here on the road.

Chicago on the other hand has come out of the break "on fire," sweeping three games at the Phillies. Expect that momentum to get carried over here.

Pittsburgh has averaged only 2.9 runs while going 2-6 over its last eight.

JT Brubaker (2-8, 4.02 ERA) gets the nod for the visitors, while Adrian Sampson (0-1, 3.34) counters for the home side.

Chicago All-Star Ian Happ is 6 for 18 with three doubles vs. Brubaker, while Rafael Ortega and Frank Schwindel are a combined 9 of 17 vs. him.

I believe that Sampson and the Cubs are worth the price of admission in this sot. Consider Chicago on Monday.

Good luck, NP