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Lilly, Cubs open series against Pirates

Aug 25, 2008 - 1:28 PM Chi Cubs (80-50) at Pittsburgh (57-73) 7:05 p.m. EDT

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The Chicago Cubs have dominated the Pittsburgh Pirates this season and will look to continue that good fortune when the teams open a three-game set on Monday.

The Cubs have gone 11-4 against the Pirates, outscoring them by a lopsided 103-61 while reaching double digits in runs four times.

Chicago has allowed the second-fewest runs in the NL, and look to take advantage of a struggling Pirates' offense. Pittsburgh has scored four runs or less in nine of its last 10 games, posting a 2-8 record in that span.

After two disappointing starts against the Pirates in the first half of the season, Cubs starter Ted Lilly (12-7, 4.25) will attempt to emulate his last start against the National League Central rival.

In a pair of starts in April and May, the lefthander received a pair of no decisions while posting a 8.38 ERA.

Lilly had not lost in six consecutive starts prior to his last trip to the mound against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. He allowed just two runs, two hits and two walks in seven innings, striking out seven, but came up on the short end of a 2-1 decision.

After not allowing a run in his first two starts with the Pirates, Jeff Karstens (2-2, 2.25) looks to bounce back from two straight losses.

The righthander, who has only received six runs of support in his four starts, allowed four runs, nine hits and a walk in six innings against the New York Mets on August 17.

The National League's most potent offense, the Cubs currently hold a 4 1/2-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers (76-55) in the Central Division.