[quote]By Lucas Rhamy
Sports Writer
Photo courtesy of Associated Press[/quote]

Lights out pitching

Starting on the mound tonight for the Cubs is Jake Arrieta, and the Cy Young nominee was the first pitcher in the major leagues to reach 20 wins, as well as the only Cubs pitcher to toss a no-no this season. Every batter that has stepped into the box has not been a threat to Arrieta this season, and he has to bring that same intensity to the game of the season tonight.

Wear ‘em down

Although Arrieta has been getting most of the attention from the press, the Pirates have an ace to match him, and his beard, in Gerrit Cole. He has given his opposing batters a fair share of frustration as well, so the Cubs’ bats need to be active tonight to drive Cole’s pitch count up as quickly as possible.

Young, wild, and free

At one point or another in the 2015 season, the Cubs starting lineup consisted of up to five rookies, and each and every one has shined this season. However, the postseason is a whole different animal compared to the regular season. Emotions run high, nerves kick in more than ever before, and every pitch counts. The Cubs’ phenomenal rookies need to keep cool under the pressure keep up their production.

Big game for a big name

As big of a role that the rookies are playing in the Cubs’ lineup tonight, the stars can’t get lost in all of the hype. All-star Anthony Rizzo has taken a leadership role on this team and needs to set an example for the rest of his young team. He is one of the two all-stars on the Cubbies roster, and he needs to play like one tonight.

FINISH

One of the most frustrating things about the Cubs this year is their weak pitching in the closing innings. So far this year, the Cubs have blown nearly 20 saves, while the Pirates bullpen has blown only 12, putting them at third best in the league. So if and when the Cubs are up in the bottom of the ninth inning, closers Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop need to pitch like their season depends on it, because it does.