The Chicago Cubs are steadily hurting the Pirates' playoff hopes this weekend and look to continue their spoiler effort Sunday at PNC Park.
Chicago has been dreadful on the road in 2012, going 19-52, and Sunday could mark their first road sweep of the season. Chris Rusin (0-2, 9.00) takes the mound for the Cubs in his third Major League start. Rusin pitched well in his Aug. 21 debut allowing only one run on one hit in five innings, but was shelled in his follow-up start Sept. 4 against the Washington Nationals when he allowed five runs in only one inning.
Jeff Locke (0-1, 4.82) starts for Pittsburgh. Locke, a left-hander, has spent most of his career in the minors but was recalled by the Pirates in August. He pitched two scoreless relief appearances and in one start, he allowed five runs on seven hits in five innings in a loss to the Houston Astros.
Alfonso Soriano continued his impressive 2012 campaign Saturday with his 27th home run of the year. He is batting .260 with 92 RBI.
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