Cutch on Cubs, competing, core-group strength

PITTSBURGH — The Pirates have dealt with a number of issues this year: a rash of injuries, a challenging schedule, a slew of disappointing performances. But their biggest problem, in the short and long term, just might be the Cubs.

The Bucs were blown out Monday night, 12-2, to open a four-game series at PNC Park. They have lost 13 of 16 matchups with the Cubs this season, and they have been outscored, 103-60, in those 16 games.

“This year, it is what it is. They’ve played extremely well against us. They’ve pitched extremely well,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “They’ve got a good ballclub. They’ve got depth. They’ve got some youth, some athleticism. They’ve got a lot of different components. One of the reasons they’ve won 100 games.”

The Cubs are loaded with young talent, and they have shown a willingness to spend significantly on free agents like left-hander Jon Lester and outfielder Jason Heyward. They have high-level hitters, like Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, and their lineup runs deep. Javier Baez, batting eighth, hit a grand slam off Chad Kuhl on Monday and drove in a career-high six runs.

“They’re a really good club. It’s a challenge,” Kuhl said. “It’s a team you want to be out there …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com