Chicago @ Pittsburgh preview

Last Meeting ( May 21, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 4, Pittsburgh 5

The bullpen let down the Chicago Cubs again in their series opener at Pittsburgh, but if Jeff Samardzija can continue his dominance against the Pirates, the relievers might get the night off when the teams continue their three-game series Wednesday. Samardzija is 4-0 with a 0.92 ERA in 14 appearances against the Pirates, and he has won all three of his starts against them, going eight innings or more in all three.

The Pirates will look to enigmatic left-hander Francisco Liriano to continue his strong performance after winning his first two starts since coming off the disabled list. Pittsburgh rallied for five runs in the sixth inning against Chicago's bullpen in a 5-4 win to start the series. The Pirates have won two straight and nine of 11. The Cubs have dropped two straight and four of six since matching a season high with a three-game winning streak from May 11-13.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), ROOT Sports (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (2-5, 3.49 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (2-0, 1.64)

Samardzija dominated the Pirates on Opening Day, throwing eight innings of two-hit ball, but he didn't get another win until his most recent outing. He held Colorado to two runs over eight frames last Wednesday to end a string of seven straight starts without a win.

Liriano's only flaw in his first two starts of the season has been his tendency to run up the pitch count, which has prevented him from getting through the sixth inning. He has racked up 16 strikeouts in 11 innings and has allowed just one run and six hits in each of his outings. Liriano has faced the Cubs only once, allowing four runs in 5 2/3 innings in a loss last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs' last three losses have been by one run. They are 6-11 in one-run contests.

2. Pirates relief pitchers lead the majors with 155 strikeouts, including four in three innings Tuesday.

3. Cubs pitchers are 12-for-38 with two homers and 13 RBIs in May. Samardzija is hitting .125, but he was 1-for-2 with a two-run homer in his last start.

PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Pirates 1