[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
The Pittsburgh Pirates (20-25) and Chicago Cubs (25-20) play the 2nd contest in a 4-game series Friday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET (MLB Network). 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: Tied 2-2
The Pirates secured a 5-4 win in the series opener Thursday as slight underdogs (+105) as the Over (8) cashed. As a ‘dog, the Pirates are 3-3 in the past 6 games straight up, while cashing on the run line as an underdog in 5 of those outings. The Over is 6-1-2 across the previous 9 contests, too, including 3-0-1 vs. Chicago this season.
The Cubs have dropped 3 of the past 4 games at home, and they’re just 1-3 straight up in the past 4 outings. The Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 games, with the offense averaging 2.8 runs per game (RPG), including 2 shutout losses. The pitching has yielded just 19 total runs in the past 5 outings, or 3.8 RPG.
The Cubs won 2 of 3 games in Pittsburgh in the 1st 3 meetings of the season, outscoring the Bucs 21-16. The Over was 2-0-1 in that series at PNC Park. The favorite is just 1-3 in 4 meetings between these teams this season.
Pirates at Cubs projected starters
RHP Paul Skenes vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks
Skenes (0-0, 6.75 ERA) makes his 2nd start. He has a 2.00 WHIP, 4.5 BB/9 and 15.8 K/9 in 4 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 3 ER, 6 H (1 HR), 2 BB, 7 K in 10-9 home win vs. Cubs last Saturday
- Triple-A Indianapolis stats: (0-0, 0.99 ERA) with 0.92 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 14.8 K/9 in 27 1/3 IP across 7 starts
Hendricks (0-3, 10.04 ERA) makes his 7th start. He has a 1.92 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 in 26 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 1 ER, 2 H (solo HR), 4 BB, 5 K in 5-4 road win in 10 innings vs. Pirates last Sunday
- Last home start: Loss, 4 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 6-3 loss vs. Miami Marlins April 21
Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers Draft Prep and full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!
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 6:26 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pirates -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Cubs -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-225) | Cubs -1.5 (+170)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Pirates at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Pirates 6, Cubs 4
Moneyline
The PIRATES (-110) are worth a look, as Skenes makes his 1st career road start. He already has faced the Cubs (-110) before, and he did OK. He should fare better in the 2nd time through the Chicago lineup.
On the flip side, Hendricks has been a disaster for the Cubbies so far, with an ERA north of 10. Until he starts to show some consistency, you need to fade the Cubs when Hendricks is on the bump.
Run line/Against the spread
The Pirates +1.5 (-225) will set you back more than 2 times your potential return. That’s way too much risk, and not enough reward, if you require insurance, and you just can’t bring yourself to play Pittsburgh straight up on Skenes Day.
PASS.
Over/Under
OVER 7.5 (-105) is the lean, despite the fact the weather forecast calls for the winds to blow in from 7-10 mph from center field into the 3rd base dugout.
Still, with the way Hendricks has been coughing up runs, we’re likely to see the Pittsburgh offense come alive. And while it’s likely Skenes and the Bucs get the job done, it should be a higher-scoring affair.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]