Pirates/Cubs Gameday Notes

Pittsburgh (KDKA)- The Pirates open a three-game series vs. the Chicago Cubs this afternoon at Wrigley Field. The Bucs took two out of three in Chicago during the first series of the 2011 season.

PIRATES/CUBS GAMEDAY NOTES:
*Pirates have lost 3 in a row after winning a season-high 4 straight games.

*Were 20-27 after 47 games last season

*Pirates have gone 13-12 away from home this season. Were only 17-64 on the road last season and didn't pick up their 13 road win last season until July 28 and their 14th came on August 31.

*In their last 20 games vs. Chicago, dating back to 9/30/09, Pittsburgh has posted a 14-6 record against the Cubs.

*Neil Walker has hit safely in all 12 of his career games against the Cubs, going 19-for-45 (.422) with seven doubles, four home runs and 12 RBI.

*Andrew McCutchen has reached base safely in his last 18 games against the Cubs....In those 18 games, he's gone 27-66 (.409) with four doubles, three triples, two homers and 12 RBI to go along with 13 walks and six stolen bases.

*The Pirates have played nine series on the road this season and have won 6 of them....The Bucs won a total of four road series in 2010 and only three in 2009.

*Jose Tabata has led off 14 games this season and has gone 15-for-51 (.294) with 11 walks and 12 runs scored...

*Daniel McCutchen enters today with the lowest ERA among all NL relief pitchers.....He has been charged with just 1 ER in his first 21.1 IP for a 0.42 ERA