Cubs aim for sweep as Boyd faces off against Oviedo in crucial showdown at PNC Park
The Chicago Cubs are on the cusp of completing a three-game sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the final game set for Wednesday at PNC Park. After a solid 4-1 victory on Tuesday, the Cubs (87-64) are riding high, looking to capitalize on their winning momentum. Michael Busch provided a jolt to the lineup with a home run, while Pete Crow-Armstrong contributed two RBIs for starter Cade Horton, who secured his 11th win of the season. Notably, the Cubs managed to overcome one of the game’s elite pitchers in Pirates’ ace Paul Skenes.
As the Cubs prepare for this pivotal matchup, they are also setting their sights on their next challenge—a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds beginning Thursday. By the time they enter that series, they may well have a playoff spot locked down.
Game Day Details
Date: Wednesday, September 17
Time: 11:35 a.m. CT
Viewing Options:
– Cubs: Marquee Sports Network
– Pirates: SportsNet PIT, SportsNet-PIT+
– Out-of-Market: MLB Network
Listening Options:
– Cubs: 670 The Score, WRTO 1200
– Pirates: KDKA-FM 93.7
Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Probable Pitchers
Cubs: LHP Matthew Boyd (13-8, 3.05 ERA)
Matthew Boyd has emerged as an unexpected asset in the Cubs’ rotation this season. Coming off a win against the Tampa Bay Rays, Boyd pitched five innings, allowing five hits and four earned runs, complemented by two walks and a strikeout. However, his performance since the All-Star break has seen his ERA rise to 5.41 over his last seven starts, where he has recorded a 2-4 record. In that span, he has struck out 28 batters and walked 10 across 40.2 innings. Boyd is now just 14 strikeouts away from achieving the second-highest strikeout total of his career, having previously set the bar at 159 during his 2018 season with the Detroit Tigers.
Pirates: RHP Johan Oviedo (2-0, 2.81 ERA)
On the other side of the mound, the Pirates will counter with Johan Oviedo, who has spent a significant portion of the season on the 60-day injured list. This marks just his seventh start of the year. Oviedo has demonstrated impressive form, striking out 29 batters while issuing 14 walks over 25.2 innings, with opponents managing a meager .176 batting average against him. In his last outing against the Baltimore Orioles, he yielded five hits and two earned runs over 5.2 innings, earning a no-decision. His last victory came on August 30 against the Boston Red Sox, where he also went five innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs.
Injury Updates
The Cubs have a few injury concerns to monitor as they head into this critical matchup:
Owen Caissie, OF: On the 7-day concussion list since September 7. He is eligible to return on September 14 but remains uncertain.
Kyle Tucker, OF: On the 10-day injured list due to left calf tightness since September 9, retroactive to September 6. His activation remains unlikely.
Miguel Amaya, C: On the 10-day injured list with a left ankle sprain since August 14. He served as the designated hitter for Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.
Daniel Palencia, RHP: On the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain since September 8, eligible to return on September 24. Palencia is still in the catch phase of recovery.
Ryan Brasier, RHP: On the 15-day injured list due to a left groin strain since August 22, with no significant updates since a bullpen session in Atlanta.
Long-term Injuries:
Eli Morgan, RHP: On the 60-day injured list due to a right elbow issue, currently on a rehab assignment in Triple-A Iowa.
Justin Steele, LHP: Out for the season following left ulnar collateral ligament revision surgery.
With playoff implications hanging in the balance, the Cubs’ quest for a sweep at PNC Park promises to deliver a thrilling finale to this series.
