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Monday, July 05, 1999 By Paul Meyer, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
Jason Schmidt, who today seeks his third consecutive win, is matched against former teammate Jon Lieber, who will make his first appearance against the Pirates.
"It will be different," Schmidt said of facing Lieber and the Chicago Cubs. "I'm excited about it. He was my best friend on the team when he was here. I've got his locker. But once we get on the field, it will be all business."
Of course, the only time Schmidt actually will face Lieber is when he pitches to him.
"But any time you're out on the mound, you're always pitching against the other pitcher in a way," Schmidt said. "The majority of the time, whoever pitches the best is going to win."
Lieber, traded to the Cubs for outfielder Brant Brown Dec. 14, began the season by winning four of his first five starts. Since then, though, he's 2-2 in his past nine starts, allowing 71 hits and 23 earned runs in 56 innings.
In his 14 starts, Lieber has worked at least six innings 10 times. He's allowed just three first-inning runs.
The Cubs arrived in Pittsburgh last night. Did Schmidt plan to see Lieber?
"No," he said, beginning to smile. "But I might see him [tonight]."
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