Pittsburgh @ Chicago preview

Pittsburgh at Chi. Cubs

Last Meeting ( Sep 26, 2018 ) Pittsburgh 6, Chi. Cubs 7

For one day only, there will be no scoreboard-watching for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs take their one-half game lead over idle Milwaukee in the National League Central into the finale of their four-game series against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.

The Cubs and Brewers both clinched playoff spots on Wednesday, but Chicago’s 7-6 win in 10 innings ensured it at least one more day alone in first place. Albert Almora’s RBI single in the 10th, after the Pirates scored twice in both the eighth and ninth to tie it, reduced the Cubs’ magic number to win the division to four. It was a welcomed outburst for an offense that had totaled only five runs in its previous six games against the Pirates, including one in the first two contests of this series. The Pirates have relished the role of spoiler in recent weeks, but Thursday’s game is their last chance before finishing with three contests at Cincinnati.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (14-9, 3.04 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (17-6, 3.43)

Williams is enjoying a breakout season thanks to a dominant second half. The 26-year-old has recorded eight scoreless outings in his last 12 starts, posting a 1.00 ERA over that stretch. Williams is 2-3 with a 3.41 ERA in seven career games (five starts) against the Cubs.

Lester is 3-1 with a 1.90 ERA in four starts this month after limiting the Chicago White Sox to three runs - two earned - over five innings in a victory last time out. The 34-year-old has been better on the road than at home, though, as he is 6-4 with a 3.96 ERA in 16 starts at Wrigley Field. Lester is 8-6 with a 3.38 ERA in 17 career starts against Pittsburgh.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B-OF Kris Bryant (wrist) did not play on Wednesday

2. Chicago 2B Daniel Murphy is 10-for-28 during his six-game hitting streak.

3. Pirates RHP Edgar Santana will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2019 season, the club announced Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Pirates 2, Cubs 1