Cubs and Pirates Clash: Ben Brown Aims for Strong Start on Monday

As the Chicago Cubs prepare to face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates, all eyes will be on starting pitcher Ben Brown. After stepping into the rotation due to injuries, Brown has shown promise in his first two starts this season. While his last outing against the Brewers was less than stellar, yielding three runs over five innings, he still managed to strike out six batters. With 82 pitches thrown in that game, Brown is expected to be fully stretched out and ready to go the distance today.

In his previous encounter with the Pirates on April 11, Brown delivered two scoreless innings in relief at Wrigley Field, even though the Cubs ultimately fell in 11 innings. Notably, Brown has kept the long ball at bay this season, allowing only one home run in 38.2 innings pitched. That solo shot came from the very first batter he faced on Opening Day, and since then, he has faced 153 batters without surrendering another. Cubs fans will be hopeful that Brown can maintain this impressive streak against the Pirates.

On the other side of the mound, Carmen Mlodzinski has transitioned from primarily a reliever to a starter this season, making eight starts and two appearances as a bulk pitcher following openers. He previously dominated the Cubs on April 10, throwing 5.1 shutout innings. His most recent outing was similarly impressive, as he held the Cardinals scoreless over five innings last Wednesday. Mlodzinski has allowed just two home runs in 50 innings this season, presenting a formidable challenge for the Cubs’ hitters.

As fans gear up for this matchup, the weather around PNC Park looks favorable for baseball. Today’s game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network, and fans can find live coverage on MLB.com. For those looking to engage with Pirates fans, visiting the SB Nation site Bucs Dugout is encouraged, with a reminder to be respectful and represent Cubs fans positively.

In addition to the game preview, a detailed discussion thread will be available on the front page two hours before game time, allowing fans to share their thoughts and excitement leading up to the first pitch. As the Cubs aim for a win, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting matchup.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.