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Cubs open final home series against Pirates

Sep 21, 2007 - 1:33 PM Pittsburgh (66-87) at Chicago Cubs (80-73) 2:20 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- If the Chicago Cubs want to build on their slim lead in the National League Central Division, they will have to take care of business against a team which has given them fits this season.

The Cubs begin their final home series of the season Friday afternoon when they host the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a three-game set.

Chicago has won seven of its last nine contests and holds a 1 1/2-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers (78-74) in the division.

But before the Cubs make postseason plans, they will have to solve a Pirates ballclub that has won seven of the 12 matchups between the teams this season.

The Cubs can take some comfort in the fact that Jason Marquis (12-8, 4.07 ERA) will be on the mound to start Friday's series opener. The righthander has been solid against Pittsburgh this season, going 2-1 with a 2.91 ERA in three starts vs. the Pirates.

Marquis, who will be shooting for his third straight win, was stellar in his last outing on Sunday. The 29-year-old allowed just one run and five hits over 6 1/3 innings en route to a 4-2 victory over his former team - the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pittsburgh counters with Paul Maholm (10-15, 4.76), who made his first start Sunday against the Houston Astros after missing three weeks with tightness in his lower back.

The 25-year-old lefthander was hammered for 10 runs and 11 hits over just 2 2/3 innings, as the Pirates suffered a 15-3 setback.

Pittsburgh is coming off being swept in a four-game road series against the San Diego Padres and is mired in a six-game skid.

Meanwhile, the Cubs hope to carry some momentum from Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Alfonso Soriano had two hits - including his 28th homer - while Ted Lilly tossed strong innings to pick up the win.