The Chicago Cubs (66-60) visit the Pittsburgh Pirates (57-70) on Thursday to kick off a four-game series at PNC Park. The contest starts at 7:05 PM ET. This contest’s pitching matchup is set, as the Cubs will send Justin Steele (14-3) to the mound, while Mitch Keller (10-8) will take the ball for the Pirates.
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Chicago vs. Pittsburgh Pitcher Matchup Info
- When: Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 7:05 PM ET
- Where: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- How to Watch on TV: SNPT
- Probable Pitchers: Steele – CHC (14-3, 3.20 ERA) vs Keller – PIT (10-8, 4.22 ERA)
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Cubs vs. Pirates Starting Pitcher Stats (2023)
| Steele | Keller | |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | GS | 26 |
| 14-3 | W-L | 10-8 |
| 3.20 | ERA | 4.22 |
| 132 | IP | 155.2 |
| 28 | BB | 47 |
| 127 | SO | 173 |
Cubs Probable Starting Pitcher: Justin Steele
- In his most recent appearance on Saturday, the lefty tossed six innings against the Kansas City Royals, allowing two earned runs while surrendering six hits.
- The 28-year-old has put together a 3.20 ERA and 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings across 23 games this season, while allowing a batting average of .249 to opposing hitters.
- Steele is looking to record his 15th quality start of the year in this outing.
- He has had five appearances this season in which he kept his opponents to zero earned runs.
- The 28-year-old ranks 11th in ERA (3.20), 21st in WHIP (1.182), and 31st in K/9 (8.7) among qualifying pitchers in MLB action this season.
- Steele and his team are 14-9-0 ATS this season when he starts.
- Games Steele has started this season hit the over 13 times in 23 chances.
Steele’s Recent Performance
| Opponent | Date | IP | H | R | ER | K | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs. Royals | Aug. 19 | 6.0 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| at Blue Jays | Aug. 12 | 5.0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
| vs. Braves | Aug. 6 | 5.1 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 4 |
| vs. Reds | Aug. 1 | 6.0 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
| at Cardinals | Jul. 27 | 6.0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
Pirates Probable Starting Pitcher: Mitch Keller
- The right-hander’s last appearance was on Saturday, when he threw six innings against the Minnesota Twins, giving up two earned runs while allowing seven hits.
- The 27-year-old has an ERA of 4.22 and 10.0 strikeouts per nine innings with an opponent batting average of .248 in 26 games this season.
- If he completes six or more innings with three or fewer earned runs allowed, he’ll earn his third quality start in a row.
- He has made 26 appearances and finished three of them without allowing an earned run.
- Among qualified pitchers in the majors this campaign, the 27-year-old ranks 39th in ERA (4.22), 39th in WHIP (1.285), and 14th in K/9 (10.0).
- The Pirates have gone 15-11-0 against the spread when Keller starts.
- Keller has had 26 starts that sportsbooks set a total for this season, and 14 of those outings finished over the total.
Keller’s Recent Performance
| Opponent | Date | IP | H | R | ER | K | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| at Twins | Aug. 19 | 6.0 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 1 |
| vs. Reds | Aug. 13 | 6.0 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 3 |
| vs. Braves | Aug. 8 | 5.0 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| at Brewers | Aug. 3 | 5.0 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| vs. Phillies | Jul. 28 | 5.2 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 3 |
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