The Pittsburgh Pirates put a bad beat on their opponent Friday night as they scored twice in the ninth inning to earn a 3-2 win. Runs came at a premium for both teams in that contest, but I expect to see more fireworks today.

Cubs' left-hander Jon Lester (9-8, 4.43 ERA) has been torched for 16 runs on 24 hits through 14 innings of work over his last three starts. Over is 21-6 in Lesters last 27 starts during game 2 of a series and 11-3-1 in his last 15 starts with 5 days of rest. As for Pirates' starter Steven Brault (3-1, 4.33 ERA), the left-hander was reached for four runs in 4 2/3 innings of an 11-9 Pirates loss at St. Louis last time out.

Over is 20-7-1 in Pirates' last 28 games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 6-1 in Lester's last 7 road starts vs. Pirates.

10* play on OVER.