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Pirates Could Be Easy Bait For Cubs, not that the Pittsburgh Pirates were competing for the World Series, playoffs, division or .500 record anyways, after trading away two of their best three outfielders in Jason Bay and Xavier Nady and one of their best relievers, Damaso Marte. The Pirates are going to tie a major sports record this year with their 16th consecutive losing season. They continue their series against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday and put one of their better pitchers on the hill. Paul Maholm will matchup with Ted Lilly in a battle of lefties. Maholm has been the Pirates best pitcher over the last month and will try to continue his steady play on Saturday.  Maholm has given up only 12 earned run in his last 44 innings pitched and has pitched much better on the road of late. On the season, he's 2-5 with a 4.60 ERA away from home but has given up just nine earned runs in his last 29 road innings pitched (2.79 ERA). Maholm is 5-1 with a 3.14 ERA at home. The Cubs have seen him once this season and Maholm gave up eight hits and five earned runs in eight innings pitched. He'll face Lilly, who started against Maholm that day. In two matchups against the Cubs, Lilly has given up 17 hits and nine earned runs in 9.2 innings pitched. Both of Lilly's starts were on the road in Pittsburgh and this time he will get them at home. On the year, Lilly's ERA is 1.45 runs better at home. Lilly has been solid for the Cubs this month and overall, the team has won seven of his last 10 starts. He's given up just seven earned runs in his last 19 innings pitched. One problem for Lilly has been giving up home runs. He's allowed 25 on the year and at least one in nine of his last 11 outings. He'll be happy the Bay is off in Boston now, which leaves the Pirates with just 80 home runs on the year (24th in Majors). Prior to their weekend series, the Pirates had lost nine of 12 meetings this season. For more props and odds on MLB Baseball as we progress towards the postseason, as well as a look at our brand-new and revamped Casino, for the most exciting experience in the sports betting industry.visit BetOnline.com
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