Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates odds predictions pick betting line spread

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Chicago Cubs (23-16) visit the Pittsburgh Pirates (17-22) at PNC Park Saturday to continue a 3-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs won the 2023 series 10-3, and lead 2024, 1-0

In their last series versus the Padres, the Cubs failed to score more than 3 runs. It was almost the same for Pittsburgh, who scored more than 3 runs once against the Angels. But it was the Cubs who broke out of their slump Friday night.

After leading 3-2, Chicago erupted in the 7th inning with 4 runs. 3B Christopher Morel and 2B Nick Madrigal hit RBI singles and LF Ian Happ came through with a double, and the Cubs won 7-2.

Pittsburgh came away with 7 hits, and SS Oneil Cruz, who lead Friday’s lineup with a .261 BA, also ended the night going 2-3, the only Pirate with 2 hits.

Cubs at Pirates projected starters

LHP Justin Steele vs. RHP Paul Skenes

Steele (0-0, 0.96 ERA) makes his 3rd start this season. He has a 0.85 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 in 9 1/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K in 6-3 home loss against the San Diego Padres Monday.
Last 5 starts vs. PIT: 1-2, 5.84 ERA, 29 K in 24 2/3 IP

Skenes (0-0, 0.99 ERA in AAA Indianapolis) makes his MLB debut. In the minors he posted a 0.91 WHIP and 14.8 K/9 in 7 starts.

Last start: 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K in an 8-3 home win against the Buffalo Bisons on Sunday
Averaged 99.9 mph on his fastball over 198 pitches at Triple-A this year.

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!

Cubs at Pirates odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs -110 (bet $110 to win $110) | Pirates -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+165) | Pirates +1.5 (-200)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Cubs at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 3, Pirates 2

Moneyline

After a loss, Pittsburgh has only won 7 of their 21 games (33.3%). Combine that with a Cubs team that has a 3-1 record against the NL Central, and I like Chicago to win again today.

Run line/Against the spread

Steele is still working his way back from injury and hasn’t pitched more than 5 innings since he returned. It is early in the season so I don’t expect the Cubs to push him late in the game, meaning Chicago’s bullpen will get plenty of chances to keep this game close.

While the Cubs are 14-6 ATS on the road, as a road favorite they are just 1-2.

Choosing the Pirates at +1.5 (-200) just doesn’t bring the value so I will PASS and stick with the moneyline.

Over/Under

After a loss, the Pirates post a 12-7-2 Under record and 11-7-1 at home. The current line is pretty low but the books seem to know what is coming. The line has already moved from 7.5 to 7.

LEAN UNDER 6.5 (+105).

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 Ethan Matthew 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]

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Chicago Cubs (22-16) and Pittsburgh Pirates (17-21) open a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from PNC Park is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Chicago won 10-3 last season

Chicago lost 3-0 vs. the San Diego Padres Wednesday while failing to cash as a +120 home underdog. RHP Hayden Wesneski picked up the loss as he allowed 3 earned runs on 7 hits and 1 walk with 3 K’s in 6 innings. The Cubs have lost 2 of their last 3 outings.

Pittsburgh dropped its 2nd straight game with a 5-4 loss vs. the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday, failing to cash as a -132 home favorite. The Pirates led 4-2 at the end of the 5th, but they allowed the Angels to score 3 unanswered runs in the 6th.

Cubs at Pirates projected starters

RHP Javier Assad vs. RHP Jared Jones

Assad (3-0, 1.66 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 1.03 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 in 38 innings.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K in 5-0 home victory vs. Milwaukee Brewers Sunday
Career vs. Pittsburgh: 2-0, 2.81 ERA (16 IP, 5 ER), 12 H, 6 BB, 17 K across 3 starts — won both starts vs. Pirates in 2023 (12 IP, 2 ER)

Jones (2-3, 2.63 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 0.78 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9 and 11.4 K/9 in 41 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 7 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 10 K in 1-0 home win over Colorado Rockies Saturday
Has never faced Cubs before

Cubs at Pirates odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Pirates -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-215) | Pirates -1.5 (+176)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -102 | U: -120)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Cubs at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 3, Pirates 1

Moneyline

BET CUBS (+110).

The Cubs have won back-to-back games vs. the Pirates in Pittsburgh and are 7-3 in the last 10 matchups overall. Chicago is also the slightly hotter team entering this matchup, as the Cubs are 3-2 in their last 5 games, while the Pirates are only 3-7 in their last 10.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I expect Chicago to cover here as a +1.5 (-215) underdog, but the line is not worth the risk of betting on as currently set. The Cubs’ odds are simply safer on the moneyline, so bet on the moneyline and/or O/U instead.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 7.5 (-120).

The Under has hit in back-to-back games for Chicago and is 7-3 in its last 10 games. For Pittsburgh, the Under is 6-2-2 in its last 10 games.

This is only a lean because the Over has hit in 5 consecutive Chicago-Pittsburgh matchups and is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.

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 @payton_shanks 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]

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (34-38) and Pittsburgh Pirates (34-37) square off on Tuesday at PNC Park at 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 4-0

The Cubs beat the Pirates 8-0 on Monday and have won 8 of their last 10 games. They can move ahead of Pittsburgh and into 3rd place in the NL Central with another win Tuesday.

The Pirates are scuffling, as they have lost 7 games in a row, including 4 games to the Cubs. During the losing streak they have been outscored 51-17.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Cubs at Pirates projected starters

RHP Marcus Stroman vs. RHP Johan Oviedo

Stroman (8-4, 2.45 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has a 1.04 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 in 91 2/3 innings.

Has won 6 straight starts, posting a 1.51 ERA during that span. During the recent hot stretch his 31/14 K/BB is mediocre, but he’s been aided by a .189 BABIP and 4% HR/F
Has 2.72 ERA in 7 road starts, but with 18 walks in 39 2/3 IP (4.1 BB/9)

Oviedo (3-6, 4.40 ERA) makes his 15th start. He has a 1.47 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 in 75 2/3 innings.

Couldn’t get out of the 5th inning against the Cubs last time out, but had 8 K’s, his 2nd-best mark of the season
Has a 3.86 ERA in 7 home starts with just 2 HRs allowed and a 34/14 K/BB in 42 IP

Cubs at Pirates odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Pirates +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+135) | Pirates +1.5 (-160)
Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW23 for $15 OFF a full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 9/30/2023. Subscribe today and start winning!

Cubs at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 5, Pirates 3

Moneyline

The Pittsburgh bats have been extremely quiet lately, as they have managed just 20 runs over their last 9 games. Stroman hasn’t pitched as well as his ERA would suggest, but he is certainly in a good spot here, and his team should come out on top and send the Pirates to their 8th straight loss. Back the CUBS -135.

Run line/Against the spread

The Chicago offense has been rolling lately, with 52 runs in their last 7 games, and most of that damage has been done against Pittsburgh pitching (36 runs in 4 games). Oviedo’s skills have been pretty marginal throughout the season, and the Cub bats stand a strong chance of staying hot in this game. Take the CUBS -1.5 (+135), as they should remain hot and win by multiple runs.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

The total has gone over in 6 of Chicago’s last 8 games and their offense should do their part in getting there again Tuesday. However, the slumping Pirates probably won’t do much against Stroman. There doesn’t appear to be much value on either side of this line so PASS.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @RuddHQ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (33-38) begin a 3-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates (34-36) on Monday at PNC Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 3-0

The Cubs lost 6-3 to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, which ended a 5-game winning streak. Chicago is only 4 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for the lead in the NL Central.

The Pirates were defeated by the Brewers 5-2 on Sunday, extending their losing streak to 6 games. After beginning last week in 1st place in the NL Central, Pittsburgh is now in 3rd place, 2 1/2 games behind Milwaukee.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Cubs at Pirates projected starters

LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP Osvaldo Bido

Smyly (6-4, 3.59 ERA) makes his 15th start. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.5 K/9 in 77 2/3 innings.

Has allowed 3 ER or more in 3 of his last 4 starts
June 14 vs. Pirates: Win, 6 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Bido (0-0, 2.25 ERA) makes his 2nd career start, both against the Cubs. He has a 1.75 WHIP, 6.8 BB/9 and 13.5 K/9 in 4 innings.

June 14 vs. Cubs: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Was 3-4 with a 4.55 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9, and 9.1 K/9 in 10 starts in Triple-A before being called up

Cubs at Pirates odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:21 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Pirates +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+135) | Pirates +1.5 (-160)
Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Cubs at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 6, Pirates 4

Moneyline

Even though Smyly has sputtered in recent starts, I’ll back the CUBS (-125) on the road in Monday’s NL Central matchup. Chicago is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings, including 4 consecutive wins against Pittsburgh.

Run line/Against the spread

CUBS -1.5 (+135) has solid value with how these teams have performed lately. The Cubs have defeated the Pirates by at least 4 runs in each of the 1st 3 meetings this season, and Bido is only making his 2nd career start.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 9 (-105).

The Cubs recently got OF Cody Bellinger back in the lineup and OF Mike Tauchman has provided solid production in recent games. Smyly surrendered 5 ER to the Pirates on June 14 and Pittsburgh is tied for the 9th-best wRC+ (111) against left-handed pitching in June.

The Over is also 4-0 in the last 4 meetings overall.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Skyler Carlin on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Chicago Cubs (25-43) and Pittsburgh Pirates (28-39) meet Wednesday in a 7:05 p.m. ET contest at PNC Park. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Pirates lead 7-4

The Cubs lost the first 2 games of this series – by a combined score of 19-2 – and are just 2-13 over their last 15 games. Over that stretch, Chicago hurlers have compiled an untenable 7.11 ERA.

Before this series, the Pirates had gone just 2-11 in their previous 13 games and scored just 2.77 runs per game over that stretch. But over the last 2 nights, the Bucs have piled up 10 walks and 9 extra-base hits, while going 9-for-21 with runners in scoring position.

Cubs at Pirates projected starters

RHP Keegan Thompson vs. RHP Jerad Eickhoff

Thompson (6-2, 3.27 ERA) has appeared in 15 games (7 starts) and owns a 1.18 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 through 55 IP.

Last pitched Friday, tossing 6 scoreless frames with 2 hits, 2 walks and 9 strikeouts in a no-decision 1-0 Cubs victory over the visiting Atlanta Braves.
Career vs. Pirates: 2-0, 1.76 ERA (15 1/3 IP, 3 ER) in 5 games (2 starts), including 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 2 appearances (1 start) this season.

Eickhoff is expected to be called up from Triple-A Indianapolis for this start. The 31-year-old owns a 4.35 ERA, 1.30 WHIP over an 85-game career (80 starts) previously spent with the Phillies and Mets.

Over 48 1/3 IP with Indianapolis this season, has logged a 4.84 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP.

Cubs at Pirates odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 3:01 p.m. ET.

Money line: Cubs -130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Pirates +105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Run line (RL): Cubs -1.5 (+125) | Pirates +1.5 (-155)
Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Cubs at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 6, Pirates 5

Money line

Chicago has been hurt by a 7-14 record in 1-run games. Its bullpen has been tagged by the highest batting average on balls in play (.316) and highest rate of fly balls landing as home runs (16.1%) in the league.

However, I like the Cubs here. BACK CHICAGO (-130).

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW22 for 20% OFF full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 6/30/2022. Subscribe today and start winning!

Run line/Against the spread

Chicago minus the run-and-a-half makes sense if you can get a price of +130 or better. Otherwise, PASS.

Over/Under

Both clubs have batting numbers deflated by low averages on balls in play in key situations. On a warm, humid evening with an outward breeze in the forecast, BACK THE OVER 9.5 (+100).

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Chicago Cubs (25-41) and Pittsburgh Pirates (26-39) meet Monday in a 7:05 p.m. ET opener of a 4-game series at PNC Park. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Pittsburgh leads their NL Central rivals 5-4.

The Cubs took 2 of 3 from the Atlanta Braves over the weekend after having lost 10 in a row. In their last 13 games, the Cubs are 2-11 with a 6.86 ERA. Chicago is now back on the road where it has lost 7 of its last 8.

The Pirates started their current home stand by dropping 2 of 3 to the San Francisco Giants. Like the Cubs, the Bucs have also gone just 2-11 in their last 13 games. Pittsburgh has scored just 2.77 runs per game over that stretch.

Cubs at Pirates projected starters

RHP Caleb Kilian vs. RHP J.T. Brubaker

Kilian (0-1, 8.00 ERA) has logged a 1.67 WHIP, 7.0 BB/9 and 6.0 K/9 through 9 IP in the first 2 starts of his career.

The 25-year-old, who made his MLB debut on June 4 vs. the St. Louis Cardinals, had a 2.51 ERA in 43 IP in Triple-A.
Lost June 15 start vs. San Diego Padres with 4 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 5 BB and 0 K.

Brubaker (0-7, 4.5 ERA) set to make 14th start of the season. He has a 1.44 WHIP, 3.94 BB/9 and 9.14 K/9 in 64 IP.

Owns a 3.72 ERA over his last 7 starts.
Has faced Chicago twice this season (0-1, 5.19 ERA, 5 ER, 14K in 8 2/3 IP).

Cubs at Pirates odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 10:31 a.m. ET.

Money line: Cubs -108 (bet $100 to win $108) | Pirates -112 (bet $112 to win $100)
Run line (RL): Cubs -1.5 (+155) | Pirates +1.5 (-190)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -102 | U: -122)

Cubs at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 5, Pirates 3

Money line

Brubaker is coming off a season-high 106 pitches, and current Cubs batters own an aggregate .797 OPS against him.

BACK THE CUBS (-108).

Run line/Against the spread

Too much juice to wade through. PASS.

Over/Under

The Under is 33-25-7 in Pittsburgh’s games. And its 3-0-1 in the last 4 Cubs-Pirates meetings.

Leaning into both starters and both rested bullpens, TAKE THE UNDER 8.5 (-122). Its a slight-to-moderate lean: consider a partial-unit play.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Chicago Cubs (26-22) go for a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates (18-30) Thursday at PNC Park. First pitch is set for 12:35 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds with MLB picks and predictions.

2021 series: Cubs lead 7-4

Chicago took the first two games of this series, winning 4-3 Tuesday and 4-1 Wednesday. The Pirates haven’t won a season series against the Cubs since 2014.

RHP Kyle Hendricks is projected to start the series finale for Chicago. The eight-year veteran is 4-4 with a 4.74 ERA (49 1/3 IP, 26 ER), 1.50 WHIP, 7.7 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9 in 9 starts this season.

Last outing: Win, 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 12-3 victory at St. Louis Cardinals Friday
Career vs. Pirates: 6-10, 3.36 ERA (115 1/3 IP, 43 ER), 1.22 WHIP, 6.9 K/9 in 21 starts
2021 vs. Pirates: 0-2, 7.88 ERA (8 IP, 7 ER), 13 H, 4 BB, 7 K in 2 starts

LHP Tyler Anderson is Pittsburgh’s projected starter. The six-year vet is 3-4 with a 4.73 ERA (51 1/3 IP, 27 ER), 1.23 WHIP, 8.9 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 9 starts.

Last outing: Loss, 5 IP, 9 ER, 10 H, 2 BB, 7 K in 20-1 drubbing at Atlanta Braves Friday
Career vs. Cubs: 3-2, 3.99 ERA (38 1/3 IP, 17 ER), 1.12 WHIP, 9.6 K/9 in 6 starts
2021 vs. Cubs: 1-2, 3.93 ERA (18 1/3 IP, 8 ER), 19 H, 3 BB, 18 K in 3 starts

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Cubs at Pirates odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Cubs -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Pirates +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread/ATS: Cubs -1.5 (+110) | Pirates +1.5 (-135)
Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Prediction

Cubs 4, Pirates 2

Money line (ML)

CHICAGO (-150) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. Hendricks is having a solid May, posting a 3-1 record with a 2.36 ERA (26 2/3 IP, 7 ER) in 4 starts.

The Pirates have the worst home record (8-13) in the NL and are a woeful 6-17 overall this month.

FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition. Subscribe now!

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS. The lean would be with the Pirates +1.5 (-135) as four of their seven losses to the Cubs this season were one-run defeats, but I’m not laying the juice. Hendricks is on his game and the Bucs are spiraling.

ATS records: Cubs 27-21 | Pirates 21-27

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 7.5 (-105) to win 0.3 UNITS. The Cubs are an Under team.

The Under is 6-1-1 in their last eight games, 10-3-1 in their last 14 and 12-4-1 in their last 17. The hesitation with a larger wager is that the Under is 2-7 in Hendrick’s starts, including 1-5 in his last 6.

The Pirates are also an Under team (see O/U record below), but are 10-10-1 O/U at home.

In addition, umpire Ryan Additon is scheduled to be calling balls and strikes Thursday. The Under is 4-1 in his last 5 games behind the plate.

O/U records: Cubs 19-26-3 | Pirates 20-25-3

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

JOHNNY’S RECORD	W-L	SP	ROI
2021 MLB	51-47-2	15-17-1	-2.32
2020 MLB	80-59-1	39-21	+24.79
2021 (all sports)	154-133-3	64-59-1	+9.58
–SP: Strongest plays; ROI*: Return on investment

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Chicago Cubs (4-3) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1-6) continue their weekend series at PNC Park with a 6:35 p.m. ET tilt Saturday. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Zach Davies is the projected starting pitcher for the Cubs. Last year, Davies went 7-4 with a 2.73 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, and 2.5 BB/9 in 69 1/3 IP over 12 starts. He allowed two runs to these Pirates in a 5-2/3-inning start against Pittsburgh on April 4. Pittsburgh bats own a .705 OPS, .136 isolated power against the veteran righty. The Pirates have a left-leaning lineup, but Davies handles opposite-hand bats better than most right-handed starters.

RHP Mitch Keller is expected to start for the Pirates. Keller made five starts in 2020, going 1-1 with a 2.91 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, and 7.5 BB/9 in 21 2/3 IP. Chicago drew four walks and smacked a home run against Keller in collecting three runs in three innings April 4.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Cubs at Pirates odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.

Money line: Cubs -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Pirates +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Against the spread/ATS: Cubs -1.5 (-105) | Pirates +1.5 (-115)
Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Prediction

Cubs 4, Pirates 3

Money line (ML)

The Cubs took Thursday’s series opener, 4-2 (Friday was a built-in off day after what marked Pittsburgh’s home opener). The Pirates played Chicago tough a year ago, losing six of 10 games and being outscored by just four runs (38-34) along the way.

Keller exhibited solid velocity in his debut. He’s yielded an .868 OPS over his career but a mere .702 figure in home games.

The Pirates are a lean in this one; consider holding out for a Pittsburgh +140 tag.

FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition. Subscribe now!

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Better relative value on the home lean here can be found with the PIRATES +1.5 (-115) action. The game has a wind-in Under lean with two rested bullpens at the ready.

Over/Under (O/U)

The bullpens figure into this call, but there is perhaps too much early season static to overcome. Chicago’s pen has been outstanding (2.39 ERA, 2.87 expected ERA). Cubs relievers have fanned 13.3 batters per nine. Pittsburgh’s pen has been better than its 6.67 surface ERA. The Bucs have been undone by a high rate of fly balls and those fly balls leaving the yard.

A 13-mile-an-hour breeze, in from right field, is in the weather forecast, and that makes the Under a lean. Consider a partial-unit play on the UNDER 8.5 (-105) or holding out for a 9 for better leverage.

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Chicago Cubs (3-3) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1-5) open a three-game series at PNC Park with a 1:35 p.m. ET tilt Thursday. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Jake Arrieta is the projected starting pitcher for the Cubs. Last year with the Philadelphia Phillies, Arrieta went 4-4 with a 5.08 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 6.5 K/9, and 3.2 BB/9 in 44 1/3 IP over nine starts. The veteran righty opened his 2020 season with a win over these Pirates while allowing just one run across 6 IP.

LHP Tyler Anderson is the projected starter for the Pirates. With the San Francisco Giants in 2020, he went 4-3 with a 4.37 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, and 3.8 BB/9 in 59 2/3 IP over 11 starts and two relief appearances. Anderson faced the Cubs at Wrigley Field Saturday; he allowed 3 ER on 5 hits and a pair of walks over 5 frames.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

Cubs at Pirates odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Cubs -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Pirates +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Against the spread/ATS: Cubs -1.5 (+110) | Pirates +1.5 (-135)
Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Prediction

Cubs 4, Pirates 3

Money line (ML)

The Cubs figure to struggle against southpaws after logging an anemic .619 OPS against lefties in 2020.

Arrieta — who didn’t miss many bats while being dinged by some hard contact in his season debut — is a right-hander who struggles more than most against batters of the opposite hand (lefty bats cracked him for a .873 OPS in 2020 and a .931 figure in 2019).

Anderson registered a swinging-strike rate of 24.2% in his first start. The Pirates lefty is a fly-ball type who will benefit from a pitcher’s breeze which is in the Steel City forecast for Thursday afternoon.

A tag closer to +130 would be appreciated, but PITTSBURGH (+120) is a workable play.

FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition. Subscribe now!

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

This game has some Under lean. There is some merit to a PIRATES +1.5 (-135) wager but perhaps only as an undercard insurance play with the higher-profit action on top.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams come in struggling on offense (Pittsburgh .638 OPS, Chicago .581 OPS) and the Under has gone 5-1 in the Cubs’ first six games.

The better parts of both bullpens are well-rested coming into this Thursday matinee which will be followed by an off day. With that off-day pending and with both sides having looked at these starters just last week, figure this one being in the hands of both bullpens early. Both relief units have been good in the early going.

On a dry afternoon with an inward wind of double-digit (miles per hour) strength, PEG SOME VALUE ON THE UNDER 8.5 (-115).

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]