Pittsburgh at Chicago

The Pittsburgh Pirates suffered through two decades of futility, but the past few years have been a lot more competitive. The bar has been raised with much loftier expectations, but the Pirates who are now three games below .500 have been a disappointment. The Cubs know about futility, and are 9 games below .500, but they have made progress, especially at home where they have more than held their own at two games over .500. Chicago has won 9 of their last 11 games in the friendly confines. Pittsburgh starter Vance Worley has not recorded a win in over a year, while Travis Wood has a lifetime 3.25 ERA vs. Pittsburgh, and has recorded a win against them this month. The Pirates are an ugly 132-276 in their last 408 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Cubs are in their sweet spot as they are 14-3 in their last 17 to a posted total of 7 to 8.5, and have won six of Wood's last seven starts as a dog. The Cubs get the nod in this one.