The Chicago Cubs came back from a 5-run deficit Saturday to nearly hand the Pittsburgh Pirates their eighth straight loss, but Pittsburgh held on for a 7-6 win. Chris Volstad (3-10, 5.99 ERA) starts for the Cubs at 1:20 p.m. CT as the team tries to win their second in three days against the suddenly-struggling Pirates.
Volstad has won 3 of his last 4 starts after opening the season with losses in 9 straight decisions. He has not faced the Pirates this season, but he's 2-2 with a 7.45 ERA against them for his career.
Jeff Locke (0-1, 4.11 ERA) starts for the Pirates. Locke has pitched in four games this season, but only started two of those games. He had a no-decision in a 4-2 loss to the Cubs on Sept. 9. Locke gave up 2 runs and struck out 6 batters in 6 innings in that game.
The Cubs need wins in 6 of their final 17 games to avoid ending the season with 100 losses.
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