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Cubs eye sweep of Pirates

Apr 10, 2008 - 1:06 PM Chi Cubs (5-3) at Pittsburgh (3-5) 7:05 pm EDT

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) - The Chicago Cubs target their first series sweep on Thursday when they meet the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

After Chicago pulled out a 12-inning contest to open the three-game set on Monday, the Cubs put in extra time again on Wednesday in a 6-4 victory in 15 innings.

In both games, Pittsburgh rallied to tie the game late only to see its division rival get the last laugh.

Felix Pie delivered the go-ahead runs on Wednesday with a two-run single.

Rich Hill (0-0, 3.00 ERA) will hope to build on a positive debut as he attempts to guide the Cubs to a fifth straight win, which would be their longest streak since June 22-29, 2007.

The lefthander allowed two runs over six frames but the bullpen gave up the lead late in a 4-3 loss to Houston on Friday.

Opposing Hill will be Matt Morris (0-0, 5.40), who surrendered four runs - three earned - and eight hits in Friday's 4-3 loss to Florida.

The righthander is 12-8 with a 4.50 in 30 career appearances - 27 starts - against the Cubs, but has won just once in his last six starts against them since 2005.