The Cubs go for a sweep of the Pirates as Jon Lester takes on Juan Nicasio. A Cubs win gives them a commanding six game lead in the NL Central. Lester’s only weakness in the three-true outcomes is his four home runs allowed, but all four were solo shots. Nicasio is blowing away batters with 29 K in 27 innings. His year in the bullpen hasn’t hurt him as a starter.

Tyler Chatwood leads the Rockies against the Padres and rookie César Vargas. Chatwood makes his fourth road start. He’s 3-0 with an 0.46 ERA on the road, 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA at home, where he allowed all three home runs. Vargas allowed nine hits and six walks in 10 1/3 innings in his first season, but the only run against him came on a solo home run.

Finally, Texas battles Toronto with Colby Lewis facing Aaron Sanchez. Lewis’s 3.19 ERA seems out of place with his .351 OBP allowed with seven home runs. Almost all the power hits against him came with the bases empty, however, so they do little damage. Opponents are batting just .185 against Sanchez with runners in scoring position, but three of the five hits went for extra bases.

Enjoy!