MLB reporters predict NL Wild Card Game winner
As 10 teams embark on the road to the 111th World Series, a collection of MLB.com analysts, columnists and reporters shared their thoughts on who will come out on top.
Tonight's 8 p.m. ET National League Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser will pit the Cubs against the Pirates in Pittsburgh, airing on TBS.
Mike Bauman: Cubs
Pittsburgh is the second-best team in baseball, by record, but the Cubs are third. And since late June, nobody on the planet has been pitching better than Jake Arrieta.
Hal Bodley: Cubs
I have to go with the Cubs because one game comes down to pitching and Arrieta has been almost unhittable, especially since the All-Star break. The bullpens could be a key, but Arrieta (22-6, 1.77) had an 0.86 ERA over his final 20 starts.
:: NL Wild Card Game: Cubs vs. Pirates -- Tune-in info ::
Anthony Castrovince: Pirates
Despite struggles against Arrieta, the Pirates had the highest OPS among NL playoff teams against pitchers with an ERA+ of 120 or better. They'll make the adjustment, and Gerrit Cole will take it from there.
Alyson Footer: Cubs
This has little to do with who is hosting this game (Pirates) or who has more wins (Pirates) or who has more postseason experience (Pirates). This is about Arrieta, whose historically dominant second half has earned him the title of the League's Most Unhittable Pitcher. Cole will be good. Arrieta will be better by a hair, and that'll be enough for the Cubs to win.
Richard Justice: Pirates
The Pirates are a postseason-toughened team that is driven to take the next step. Cole and Andrew McCutchen will own the day. The Cubbies are good, but they're not where the Bucs are.
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Paul Hagen: Cubs
Two words: Jake Arrieta. He's gotten better and better as the season has gone on. No reason to believe that trend won't continue.
Video: Breaking down the Cubs' chances in the Wild Card Game
Terence Moore: Cubs
In Arrieta, the Cubs have a hex killer and a Pirates killer. If you add that to the clutch bats of Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, I'm hearing something that a former announcer for the team used to scream: "Cubs win!"
Jeff Nelson: Cubs
I love the Pirates, but Joe Madden and the Cubs will prevail. Arrieta, who in my opinion should be this season's NL Cy Young Award winner, will dominate the Bucs and move the Cubs into the Division Series vs. the Cards.
Marty Noble: Pirates
The Pirates have compelling big-game talent.
Video: Bucs look to keep momentum going in NL Wild Card Game
Tracy Ringolsby: Pirates
The Bucs have the depth and experience, add in the home-field advantage, though the visiting team has won four of six since the one-game Wild Card was added to the postseason.
Phil Rogers: Cubs
Flip a coin. The Pirates have gone 8-1 in Cole's starts against the Cubs, but that one loss came this season; the last pitcher to roll into the postseason on a high like Arrieta's was Orel Hershiser in 1988, and he was the Most Valuable Player in the NL Championship Series and the World Series.
Video: Phil Rogers discusses NL Wild Card on MLB Tonight
Lyle Spencer: Pirates
How do you pick against Arrieta? It's not easy, but something tells me Pittsburgh will find a way. The balanced, confident Pirates have a great chance to go all the way if they can get past Arrieta.