Cubs vs Pirates Preview: Wicks Looks to Spark Cubs

The Chicago Cubs rolled into Pittsburgh on a painful 9-game losing streak. They're 29-25 overall and need to flip the script fast. Yesterday, the Cubs lost a tight one to the Pirates 2-1. Busch smacked a solo homer to center field, but it wasn't enough. The Cubs have power and balance in their lineup, but right now they can't catch a break. Jordan Wicks takes the mound Tuesday, hoping to spark a turnaround. This is the moment—when your team is down, you fight back hardest. The Cubs still have time to turn things around this season.

The Pirates just beat the Cubs 2-1 yesterday, and they smell blood in the water. They're riding a 2-game winning streak. In that game, Davis crushed a long home run to left field—413 feet of pure power. Lowe doubled to left earlier, scoring Horwitz. The Pirates' bats are waking up at the right time. They're 28-26 on the season, fighting hard in their own division race. Braxton Ashcraft gets the ball Tuesday for Pittsburgh. When your team has momentum, you ride it. The Pirates know they can compete with anybody when everyone swings hot.

Both teams have injury headaches, but let's focus on who gets healthy faster. The Cubs are missing several starting pitchers—Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, and Edward Cabrera are all sidelined. That's a serious blow to the rotation. The Pirates have their own challenges but lean heavily on ace Paul Skenes, who's been dominant. Mitch Keller provides backup stability. Braxton Ashcraft takes the mound for Pittsburgh with big expectations. Jordan Wicks counters for Chicago. In baseball, depth matters. One bad injury can derail your whole season. Whichever team stays healthy will have the edge down the stretch.