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Free MLB Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs: September 9th 2009

Touthouse Handicappers
Sep 9, 2009

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs
Free MLB Pick: Chicago Cubs -1.5 +105 (September 9th 2009)
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Iโ€™m taking the Cubs as I believe Zambrano is in line for a dominant start. He has pitched much better on the road this year 1.61 ERAโ€™s worth. Heโ€™s 5-2 with a 3.03 ERA and he has always pitched well against the Pirates. Look for him to come out firing today. The Cubs hitting wise are a day team averaging close to 1 run more during their day games than night. In my opinion Soriano was hurting this team so now that he is out of the lineup I see them winning some games down the stretch. Hart will go up against the Cubs and itโ€™s not an unfamiliar place for Hart as he used to pitch for the Cubs. Now normally I believe the pitcher has the advantage in these type of match ups, but to be honest Hart is not the type of pitcher that can take advantage of a situation like this and I donโ€™t think he will.

The Cubs have won 14 straight of their victories over the Pirates by more than 1 run so lets make it 15 as I donโ€™t see them losing here today. I think the bullpens will likely have a big role in todayโ€™s game and Cubbie relievers have a 2.88 ERA in their last three while the Pirates have a 5.92. Hart has not gone more than 6 innings in a single start so the bullpen will most likely pitching 3+ innings for the Pirates which does not look good to me. Pirates are also 16-35 in their last 51 vs. RH starters!