Cubs Pirates betting odds lines picks best bets predictions

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Cubs at Pirates sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

After clinching a playoff berth on Tuesday night despite their loss, the Chicago Cubs (32-23) will once again face the Pittsburgh Pirates (16-39) on Wednesday night. First pitch from PNC Park is set for 7:05 p.m. ET. We analyze the Cubs-Pirates betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.

Cubs at Pirates: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Kyle Hendricks vs. RHP Trevor Williams

Hendricks has been a stud again this year, going 6-4 with a 2.93 ERA thus far.

In four starts this month, Hendricks has a stellar 1.21 ERA with 27 strikeouts.
Hendricks is 6-7 with a 3.08 ERA in 18 career starts against the Pirates.

Williams has just one win in 10 starts this season, going 1-8 with a 6.70 ERA.

Williams has really struggled in his last five starts, allowing 11 home runs with a 9.59 ERA.
The Pirates are 1-9 in his starts this year, with their only win coming on Aug. 13 against the Reds.

Get some action on this game or any other matchup in the 2020 season with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Cubs at Pirates: Key injuries

Get the latest injury news here.

Cubs

3B Kris Bryant (oblique) questionable
2B Ildemaro Vargas (hamstring) out

Pirates

OF Anthony Alford (elbow) out
SS Cole Tucker (concussion) out
RP Keone Kela (forearm) out
CF Jason Martin (back) out

Cubs at Pirates: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Cubs 5, Pirates 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Cubs are once again heavily favored over the Pirates despite dropping Tuesday night’s matchup. Chicago has already locked up a playoff berth but it wants to keep the momentum heading into the postseason.

And with Williams pitching on the other side, the Cubs shouldn’t have much trouble putting up enough runs to win this game. Take the CUBS (-223) to win this one straight-up.

New to sports betting? A $22.30 bet on the Cubs to win returns a profit of $10.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

BetMGM’s recommended spread has the Cubs favored by 1.5 runs on Wednesday night, which carries a line of -139. This is certainly a game they should win, especially given the pitching matchup tonight.

Take the CUBS -1.5 (-139) to cover the 1.5-run spread and win by a couple.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under remains lower at only 8.5 runs. The total has gone under in six of the Cubs’ last seven road games and in five of their last six games overall. Pittsburgh’s games have also been going under more often than not, with six of its last nine doing so.

Take the UNDER 8.5 (-110), even with Williams on the bump for the Pirates. Hendricks will keep Pittsburgh’s offense in check to negate the difference in the Pirates’ poor pitching.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (32-22) and Pittsburgh Pirates (15-39) will square off at PNC Park Tuesday night with first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. ET. We analyze the Cubs-Pirates betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.

Cubs at Pirates: Projected starting pitchers

LHP Jose Quintana vs. LHP Steven Brault

Quintana has yet to factor into a decision this season in only two relief appearances, posting a 6.00 ERA with nine strikeouts.

Quintana is making his first start of the season after being activated off the 10-day injured list. His last relief appearance was Aug. 30.
Last season against the Pirates, Quintana was 4-1 with a 4.19 ERA in six starts.

Brault has just one win this season to go along with three losses, owning a 4.04 ERA with 32 strikeouts through 35 2/3 innings.

In his last start, Brault pitched a complete-game two-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals, completely shutting down St. Louis’ lineup.
In nine starts this season, Brault’s ERA is an impressive 3.03. He was roughed up in his only relief appearance with four earned runs allowed without recorded an out.

Get some action on this game or any other matchup in the 2020 season with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Cubs at Pirates: Key injuries

(Get the latest injury news here.)

Cubs

3B Kris Bryant (oblique) questionable
2B Ildemaro Vargas (hamstring) out

Pirates

OF Anthony Alford (elbow) out
SS Cole Tucker (concussion) out
RP Keone Kela (forearm) out

Cubs at Pirates: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Cubs 5, Pirates 3

Money line (ML)

The CUBS (-154) come into this one having won six of their last eight games. The Pirates (+140) are going the opposite direction and are 1-13 in their last 14 contests. It’s abundantly clear which team is looking better ahead of this matchup, though the Cubs’ money line remains a decent value.

Take the CUBS (-154) to win outright with Quintana on the mound, even though it’s his first start of the year. The Pirates are too injured and haven’t shown enough offensively to win this one.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Cubs to win returns a profit of $6.50.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The Cubs are giving 1.5 runs with the spread (+100) Tuesday night. This comes after they blanked the Pirates 5-0 in the first game of the series and with three of their last six wins coming by at least two runs.

I feel good about the Cubs covering in this one, even if Bryant can’t go. Take the CUBS -1.5 (+100) to win by at least a couple of runs.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under is 8.5 runs tonight with both the Over and Under carrying odds of -110. The total has gone Under in four of the Cubs’ last five games and in 10 of the Pirates’ last 15 games against National League opponents.

Take the UNDER 8.5 (-110) tonight.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @camdasilva on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (22-14) look to cap off a three-game sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates (10-24) in a Thursday afternoon tilt getting underway at 1:35 p.m. ET at PNC Park. We analyze the Cubs-Pirates betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.

Cubs at Pirates: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Alec Mills vs. RHP JT Brubaker

Mills has posted a 5.23 ERA in six starts. The 28-year-old owns a 4.30 ERA over a dozen career starts and 13 relief appearances.

Gets a lot of ground balls (51% GB) but has coughed up a high rate of fly balls ending up as home runs (23.3%).

Brubaker has been in the Pittsburgh starting rotation since Aug. 6, and he’s gained a moderate amount of traction over his last couple starts. The 26-year-old has an ERA of 4.50 on a WHIP of 1.40.

Had elbow and shoulder problems in 2019 which cut his Class Triple-A innings to just 21 in 2019. Figures as a short-leash starter for the Pirates and has averaged just under four innings per start.
Tossed three scoreless relief innings against the Cubs Aug. 1.

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Cubs at Pirates: Key injuries

Get the latest injury news here.

Pirates

RP Keone Kela (forearm) out

Also see: BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

Cubs at Pirates: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML)

The Cubs’ record is overextended versus underlying production, but the Pirates — losers of 5 five of their last 6 — are a woeful baseball club. Chicago is seeking its sixth straight win against the Pirates. The Cubs’ .804 road OPS ranks third in MLB, and right-handers swing them around to their best platoon splits (.828 OPS vs. RHP). Chicago also has the much better bullpen despite the appearance of a shaky 5.18 ERA.

The price here is workable. Back the CUBS (-154).

New to sports betting? A winning $50 moneyline wager on Chicago returns a profit of $32.47.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

This one likely draws a lay-off, but some movement up on the price for Pittsburgh might make for middling a one-run Chicago win on what figures to be a total shaded on the Under side. Avoid the current price — PIRATES +1.5 (-115) — but something closer to -109/-110 could be worth pulling the trigger.

Matched with the above moneyline play, a Chicago win by one run nets wins on both accounts.

Over/Under (O/U)

Peg what could be an affair started and stopped by rain on get-away day as a 7-to-9-run game environment. Take the UNDER 9.5 (-110).

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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.

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Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (21-14) go for two in a row against the Pittsburgh Pirates (10-23) Wednesday at PNC Park. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET between the NL Central rivals. We analyze the Cubs-Pirates betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.

Cubs at Pirates: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Kyle Hendricks vs. RHP Joe Musgrove

Hendricks: 3-4, 4.09 ERA, 1.091 WHIP, 34 K, 4 BB, 44 IP, 7 starts

Leads MLB with a mere 0.8 BB/9 but his 7.0 K/9 is his lowest since his debut 2014 season. He’s also allowing a career-worst 1.2 HR/9 with six homers allowed over 44 innings.
He has rapidly regressed since starting the 60-game season with a nine-inning shutout of the Milwaukee Brewers. He has allowed 11 earned runs over 17 2/3 innings across his last three starts while taking the loss in each one.

Musgrove: 0-3, 6.75 ERA, 1.773 WHIP, 17 K, 11 BB, 11 ER, 14 2/3 IP, 3 starts

Returns from the injured list for his first start since Aug. 4 when he allowed 5 earned runs over just 3 1/3 innings in a road loss against the Minnesota Twins.
Has allowed 4 home runs in just the 14 2/3 innings on the season, while walking 6.8 batters per nine against 10.4 strikeouts per nine.

Cubs at Pirates: Key injuries

Get the latest injury news here.

Pirates

RP Keone Kela (forearm) out
OF Bryan Reynolds (paternity) out

Also see: BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

Cubs at Pirates: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:29 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Cubs 7, Pirates 4

Moneyline (ML)

Stick with the CUBS (-189) following their 8-7 win in 11 innings in Tuesday’s series opener. The teams entered extras at 6-6, exchanged runs in the 10th inning and the Cubs scored the winner when CF Ian Happ drove in 2B Nico Hoerner.

The edge in the starting pitching matchup Wednesday goes to Hendricks, as he looks to bust out of a skid. The Cubs rank seventh in baseball with a team OPS of .789 against right-handed pitching as the stronger half of their offensive split. The time off should help Musgrove in the long run, but bettors will need to see some improvement before trusting him out of the gate.

The Pirates (+170) have lost two in a row and four of their last five.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Get better value on the visitors by taking the CUBS -1.5 (-129) to win by 2 or more runs. They were in position to do so Tuesday before giving up runs in the sixth and eighth innings. Both teams used six relievers apiece in the series opener, so they’re at an equal disadvantage there.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 9.5 (-110) is the top recommendation with two struggling starters and poor bullpens waiting in the wings. I expect a better outing from Hendricks and it’ll be the Cubs doing the bulk of the work against the previously struggling Musgrove.

Esten’s MLB betting record: 32-36

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (20-14) begin a three-game set against the NL Central-rival Pittsburgh Pirates (10-22) Tuesday. First pitch at PNC Park is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. We analyze the Cubs-Pirates betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.

Cubs at Pirates: Projected starting pitchers

LHP Jon Lester vs. RHP Chad Kuhl

Lester: 2-1, 4.55 ERA, 1.200 WHIP, 22 K, 5 BB, 16 ER, 31 2/3 IP, 6 starts

Gave up four home runs and eight earned runs in a loss to the Chicago White Sox Aug. 21, but bounced backed to allow only a single earned run last Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers.
Has a 1.13 road ERA through three starts and 16 total innings as a visitor.

Kuhl: 1-1, 2.52 ERA, 1.080 WHIP, 20 K, 11 BB, 7 ER, 25 IP, 4 stars (2 relief appearances)

A 4.0 BB/9 and 1.8 HR/9 don’t bode well against a Cubs team walking in 11.4% of plate appearances and with a .196 team ISO.
Has a 1.42 ERA at home through two starts and a relief appearance.

Cubs at Pirates: Key injuries

Get the latest injury news here.

Cubs

3B Kris Bryant (wrist) questionable
OF Steven Souza Jr. (hamstring) questionable

Pirates

RP Keone Kela (forearm) out
OF Bryan Reynolds (paternity leave) out

Also see: BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

Cubs at Pirates: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:24 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Cubs 7, Pirates 3

Moneyline (ML)

The CUBS (-162) are the clear and easy pick Tuesday. They’re coming off a 10-1 win against the Cincinnati Reds Sunday and the offense will make quick work of Kuhl, who has a boatload of regression headed his way due to the awful walk rate. The Cubs are atop the NL Central while the Pirates (+145) toil away in fifth, as expected coming into the season.

The Cubs swept a three-game set at Wrigley Field a month ago. The Pirates covered the spread in two of the three games and two of the three played to the Under. Expect better from the Chicago offense with Bryant likely to make his return.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Cubs (-162) to win returns a profit of $6.17.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

There’s a much better profit margin to be had on the run line when backing CUBS -1.5 (-110). The Pirates are not a good team and Kuhl is off to a much better start than he deserves with a 2.52 ERA but 4.98 xFIP that’s more indicative of his control struggles.

Lester was able to bounce back against the lowly Tigers last time out and should be able to go deep into Tuesday’s game to spare bettors from the dreaded Cubs bullpen.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 9.5 (-110). Even if Kuhl is able to hold his own, both teams will be able to score a bunch of runs late against bullpens ranked in the bottom 10 of MLB by ERA.

Esten’s MLB betting record: 30-32

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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