The Cubs' six-game, three-city, three time-zone trip covers Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and St. Louis.

In his first big-league start Sunday against St. Louis, Marshall gave up four runs on four hits over 4 1/3 innings. One of those hits was a two-run homer by Scott Rolen, but Marshall retired the side in the second and third, and was consistent with first-pitch strikes most of the game.

The 6-foot-7 left-hander called his first start a "once in a lifetime experience."

"I'm glad to get this one under my belt," Marshall said.

The Cubs are hoping he keeps showing progress.

"That outing the other day should've been a tremendous boost for him," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said of Marshall's debut. "He's facing one of the top offensive clubs in the league. He's got first-game jitters, national TV. That's about as loaded an outing as you could have. I know he has the stuff, I think he has the demeanor and mindset."

This series also is the first time the Cubs need a fifth starter, and Jerome Williams will get the call Saturday.

The Cubs need to rebound after losing a series to the hard-slugging Cincinnati Reds.

"It's frustrating to lose any game," first baseman Derrek Lee said. "These guys play us tough for some reason. To win the division, these are the teams you have to beat."

It's important to get off to a good start.

"This game can turn around in a hurry and bite you," Baker said. "This is a good start, not a great start. I'll tell you at the end of the month if it's great."

Pitching matchup
PIT: RHP Victor Santos (1-1, 4.66 ERA)
After a shaky Pirates debut, Santos picked up his first win Sunday in Cincinnati. He held the Reds to two runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings. Santos is 3-3 with a 2.74 ERA in eight career starts against the Cubs.

CHI: LHP Sean Marshall (0-0, 8.31 ERA)
The lanky lefty made a good impression in his first big-league start. He was efficient, walking only one, and didn't seem flustered. It helped that he had two games to get a feel for Wrigley Field. Obviously, this will be his first start at PNC Park.

Player to watch
The Cubs are hoping Aramis Ramirez can play this weekend, as PNC Park is one of his favorite places. The third baseman has a career .264 average there with 35 home runs. In his career, Ramirez has hit .317 against the Pirates with 12 homers. He's 7-for-16 against Santos.