The Chicago Cubs (30-37) welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates (34-32) to Wrigley Field Thursday. First pitch in the finale of the 3-game series is set for 8:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pirates vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Cubs lead 2-0
Chicago has won 4 of its last 5 games, rallying following a 4-game losing streak. The Cubs are just 13-21 at home, but have won 4 of its last 5 home games.
The Pirates lost 10-6 Wednesday and 11-3 on Tuesday. They still sit atop the NL Central and are 16-16 on the road. Pittsburgh has lost 5 of its last 7.
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Pirates at Cubs projected starters
RHP Johan Oviedo vs. RHP Marcus Stroman
Oviedo (3-5, 4.16 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.43 WHIP, 4.3 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 in 71 1/3 innings.
- Last start: 6 1/3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2BB, 5 K in loss to New York Mets on Saturday
- Hasn’t allowed more than 3 ER in a game in 6 starts since May 6
- Pirates are 6-7 with him on the mound
Stroman (7-4, 2.42 ERA) makes his 15th start. He has a 1.04 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 in 85 2/3 innings.
- Has allowed just 2 ER in his last 3 starts covering 21 2/3 innings
- Cubs are 8-6 in games he has pitched and have won his last 5 starts
Pirates at Cubs odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pirates +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Cubs -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-150) | Cubs -1.5 (+135)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: +100 | U: -120)
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Pirates at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Pirates 4, Cubs 2
Moneyline
BET PIRATES (+140).
The Cubs haven’t been great at home, and while that has flipped lately, they are still just 11-11 at a home favorite. The Pirates are 13-15 as a road underdog. Chicago is also just 12-17 following a win, so winning streaks aren’t necessarily something they’ve had much of this season.
Considering those trends, take PIRATES (+140).
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
Both plays aren’t great here. The Cubs on the run line does pose some value after demolishing the Pirates in 2 straight games, but Oviedo has pitched well late, making that not terrific value either.
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Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 7 (-120).
The Cubs have gone Under in 11 of their last 15 games, and both teams have strong pitchers on the mound which should certainly help.
The Pirates have gone Under in 2 of their last 4 games. Oviedo has been pitching well over his last few starts too. Combine both pitchers performing well and the trends for Chicago, back the UNDER 7 (-120).
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