The Chicago Cubs spent April on a rampage through the National League, bludgeoning opponents with deluge after deluge of runs. So far, they haven’t needed much help. They’ll take it when they get it, though, and Tuesday night, Jon Niese gave it to them.
Jake Arrieta, meanwhile, almost never helps his opponents. Teams must pounce on the few opportunities they see. The Pirates got one early Tuesday night. They missed. They did not get another.
A 7-1 loss Tuesday night to the Cubs was the second of a weeklong litmus test. If the Pirates have playoff aspirations, they’ll need to stand their ground against the Cubs and St.