Today (May 16) marks the beginning of inter-league play for most MLB teams, the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates the only exception. The two NL teams will square off in game one of their three-game weekend series starting today at 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Pirates, winners of back to back series, send left hand pitcher Tom Gorzelanny (3-3, 5.97 ERA) to the mound while righty Sean Gallagher (0-0, 6.48 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Cubs. 

Oddsmakers at online sports wagering giant Sportsbook.com have installed the Cubs the favorite with -143 ML odds with a game total of 10 runs. Run Line numbers have the Cubs at +140 (- 1 ½) and Pirates -160 (+1 ½).

Gorzelanny, who missed his last start due to tightness in his lower back, tossed 7 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on seven hits. He recorded four strikeouts in improving his record to 3-3 with a 5-2 win over the Braves on May 10. He is 0-1 this year against the Cubs in two starts. He absorbed a 13-1 loss on April 19 when he pitched 2 2/3 innings and allowed seven runs on six hits. Gorzelanny is 2-3 when starting against the Cubs with an ERA of 6.06 and a WHIP of 1.653.His team's record is 2-4 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. 

Gallagher brought a 4.50 ERA into his first Major League start after making two relief appearances. He gave up four runs on five hits and three walks (one intentional) in 4 1/3 innings, also striking out six. Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he will probably start the 22-year-old again Friday against the Pirates, and ship Jon Lieber back to the bullpen. This is Rich Hill's spot as long as he performs well in Triple-A, but the Cubs like Gallagher's stuff. He said he relied mostly on his fastball and slider Sunday, and after a one-run first inning, he worked three good ones before getting knocked around in the fifth. Gallagher has never started against the Pirates. 

Point-Spreads.com MLB Picks: Gorzelanny (Pirates) is the better of the two pitchers and the Pirates are hot. PIRATES ML +133.

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