Chicago @ Pittsburgh preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 9, 2011 ) Chi. Cubs 6, Pittsburgh 3

THE STORY: The Pittsburgh Pirates look to enter the All-Star break on a winning note as they take on the Chicago Cubs in the rubber game of their three-game set on Sunday. Pittsburgh has a chance to end the first half tied for first place in the National League Central. The Pirates trail co-leaders Milwaukee and St. Louis by one game. Chicago posted a 6-3 triumph Saturday for just its sixth win in its last 23 road games.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), Root Sports (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Ramon Ortiz (0-1, 3.00 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Paul Maholm (5-9, 3.08 ERA).

Ortiz will be making his second start with the Cubs. In his debut at Washington on Tuesday, the 38-year old allowed three runs - two earned - and struck out seven over six innings. Ortiz is 2-2 with a 4.35 ERA in 10 career games against the Pirates, including five relief appearances.

Maholm is coming off a victory over Houston on Monday in which he yielded three runs - one earned - over six innings. The lefthander has surrendered two earned runs or fewer in five of his last six starts. Maholm is just 4-4 at home this season despite a 2.02 ERA in 10 outings but has won three straight at PNC Park. The 29-year old has posted a 5.30 ERA in 15 career outings against Chicago but owns an 8-2 record. He tossed a three-hit shutout in their last meeting on May 28 at Wrigley Field.

ABOUT THE PIRATES (46-43): Manager Clint Hurdle finally got his wish as CF Andrew McCutchen was named to the National League All-Star team as an injury replacement for Milwaukee's Ryan Braun. Hurdle was critical of San Francisco counterpart Bruce Bochy, who will manage the NL squad, for initially bypassing McCutchen when choosing reserves last Sunday. McCutchen went 0-for-3 on Saturday but drew a walk, extending his streak of reaching base safely at home to 21 games. 1B Lyle Overbay is 7-for-19 (.368) lifetime against Ortiz with two home runs.

ABOUT THE CUBS (37-54): RHP Ryan Dempster picked up the win Saturday but threw a temper tantrum after being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning. Dempster, who missed his last turn in the rotation due to discomfort in his stomach and core, argued with manager Mike Quade and threw equipment in the dugout after being informed his night was over. IF Jeff Baker has a good chance of starting Sunday as he is 7-for-15 (.467) lifetime against Maholm. LF Alfonso Soriano has nine career hits vs. Maholm, four of which have been home runs.

FINAL PITCH: Saturday's game was the 10th sellout at PNC Park this season. It is the highest total since the stadium's inaugural season in 2001, when the ballpark was full 19 times.