Game 145: Cubs at Pirates

Teams split the doubleheader yesterday.
Probables: Jake Arrieta (19-6, 1.99) vs. AJ Burnett (8-5, 3.14)
Preview:
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/201509...game_pk=415822
"Arrieta goes for 20th win in showdown with Bucs
By Adam Berry / MLB.com | @adamdberry | + 1 COMMENTS
Adding personal significance to an already crucial game, Cubs starter Jake Arrieta will try to secure his 20th win of the season against veteran right-hander A.J. Burnett and the Pirates on Wednesday night at PNC Park.
As big as win No. 20 would be for Arrieta, every game between the two National League Central rivals is important this time of year. After the clubs split Tuesday's doubleheader, the Pirates maintained their four-game lead over the Cubs in the NL Wild Card standings while keeping the heat on the division-leading Cardinals.
An NL Cy Young Award candidate, the 29-year-old Arrieta leads the Majors in wins and is the first Cub to reach 19 victories since Jon Lieber won 20 in 2001. The last Cubs pitcher younger than 30 to win 20 games was Greg Maddux in 1992.
While wins and losses are no longer viewed as especially important when evaluating players, the Cubs are still eager to see Arrieta -- who's also one inning shy of 200 with a 1.99 ERA on the year -- reach the 20-win milestone.
"I'm excited every time I see him on the mound. It's exhilarating to watch him out there pitching at such a high level, knowing how hard he worked to get to this point," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. "He always had a lot of natural ability, but he's not a guy who woke up and was a 20-game candidate in the Major Leagues. He really had to go through some tough times and work at his craft. ... Easy guy to root for."
Things to know about this game
• This is Burnett's second start since his return from a strained flexor tendon in his right arm. He gave up three runs in the first inning of his first start back, then settled down to throw four scoreless innings.
• Arrieta has shut down the Pirates this season, going 2-1 with a 0.86 ERA and a 0.71 WHIP over three starts.
• After driving in one run Tuesday, Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen increased his season total to 93, four away from setting a new career high. McCutchen drove in 96 runs in 2012.
Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs."