This is an 8* SITUATIONAL ASSASSIN on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pittsburgh used to be the new kid on the block in the postseason, but now the Cubs fill that role. The Pirates are now a common sight in the playoffs, making their third straight appearance. We believe this postseason experience can't be overlooked in this spot and think it will ultimately prove to be the difference in the outcome of this contest. Chicago sends its ace Jake Arrieta to the hill, who has posted a 0.75 ERA since the All-Star break. The home side counters with the equally as impressive Gerrit Cole (19-8, 2.60 ERA) who comes in with a ton of momentum himself, most recently giving up one run off four hits, walking two and striking out eight over seven innings in a 3-2 win over these very Cubs on Friday (note that he's 9-3 with a 2.83 ERA in front of the home town crowd this season). One and done. As amazing as Arrieta has been to this point, this is clearly a very even matchup, we'll call the pitching a "wash." The lineups are also pretty equal, but as mentioned off the top, we feel that the experience that the Pirates have gained over the last few years in this situation (remember, the team lost at home to eventual champion San Francisco in the exact same game last season), along with home field advantage will be the difference here, in our professional opinion this is indeed the very definition of "great line value." Play on the PIRATES.

AAA Sports