Pittsburgh Pirates betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 6

Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers (38-24) and Pittsburgh Pirates (28-32) play the 2nd game of a 3-game set at PNC Park Wednesday. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Dodgers vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Pirates lead 1-0

The Pirates took the 1st game of the series Tuesday, winning 1-0 as RHP Jared Jones kept the Dodgers scoreless for 6 innings.

Pittsburgh has traded off winning and losing over its last 6 outings, including 2 losses over a 3-game weekend series at the Toronto Blue Jays. It sits 4th in the NL Central and is 32-27 against the spread (ATS) on the season.

The Dodgers had previously won 5 of 6 and snapped a 2-game winning streak with the loss Tuesday. Los Angeles is 32-30 ATS on the season and sits atop the NL West.

Dodgers at Pirates projected starters

LHP James Paxton vs. RHP Paul Skenes

Paxton (5-0, 3.29 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 1.38 WHIP, 4.8 BB/9 and 5.4 K/9 in 52 IP.

Last start: No-decision, 3 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 3 K in 10-3 road win over New York Mets May 29
2024 road splits: 3-0, 3.68 ERA (29 1/3 IP, 12 ER), 25 H, 3 HR, 13 BB, 20 K in 6 starts
Career vs. Pirates: 0-1, 5.40 ERA (5 IP, 3 ER), 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K in 1 start, a 10-1 road loss with Seattle Mariners July 27, 2016

Skenes (2-0, 2.45 ERA) makes his 5th start. The rookie has a 0.91 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 12.3 K/9 in 22 IP.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 K in 10-2 road victory over Detroit Tigers May 29
2024 home splits: 0-0, 3.60 ERA (10 IP, 4 ER), 12 H, 1 HR, 3 BB, 10 K in 2 starts
Has never faced Los Angeles before; made MLB debut May 11

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Dodgers 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 10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Dodgers -104 (bet $104 to win $100) | Pirates -112 (bet $112 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Dodgers -1.5 (+152) | Pirates +1.5 (-184)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Dodgers at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Dodgers 3, Pirates 2

Moneyline

BET DODGERS (-104).

The Pirates have been too inconsistent over the last few weeks. They have lost 6 of their last 10 games and 3 of their last 5 at home while trading off winning and losing over their last 6, which suggests they’re primed to come up short.

While Skenes has pitched well over his 4 starts, the team as a whole has given up 21 runs in those games. The Dodgers are 14-9 after a loss and should be able to avenge their series-opening defeat. Back DODGERS (-104).

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

The Dodgers are too risky as run-line favorites here, while the Pirates are far too expensive to take as run-line underdogs. Ultimately, avoid this play regardless of the preferred side.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 8.5 (-115).

Both teams will have a strong starting option, and neither is hot after the 1-0 finish to Tuesday’s game. The Pirates have gone Under in 2 of their last 4 games and scored 4 or fewer runs in 3 of their last 4.

The Dodgers have gone Under in 4 straight games and held opponents to 1 run or fewer in 3 straight. They are 1-8 O/U in their last 9 games. Put it all together, and back UNDER 8.5 (-115).

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Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers (38-23) open a 3-game series on the road Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates (27-32). First pitch from PNC Park is at 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Dodgers vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Dodgers took 2023 series 4-3

The Dodgers have won 2 straight games and 5 of their last 6. They were off on Monday after closing out their home series against the Colorado Rockies with a 4-0 shutout win Sunday to take the series.

The Pirates went 2-3 on a recent road trip and have lost 4 of their last 6. They were also idle on Monday. They lost their series finale on Sunday 5-4 to the Toronto Blue Jays on the road to lose the series.

Dodgers at Pirates projected starters

RHP Tyler Glasnow vs. RHP Jared Jones

Glasnow (6-3, 3.04 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 0.91 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 11.6 K/9 in 74 IP.

Last start: No decision, 7 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 4 BB, 8 K in 5-2 loss in the 1st game of a road doubleheader against the New York Mets last Tuesday
Is 2-0 with 1.69 ERA in 5 road starts

Jones (3-5, 3.55 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 9.9 K/9 in 63 1/3 IP.

Last start: Loss, 4 1/3 IP, 7 R (5 ER), 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 8-0 road loss to Detroit Tigers in the 1st game of a Wednesday doubleheader
Has had quality starts in 7 of his 11 starts this season

Dodgers at Pirates odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook, one of the most popular betting apps; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:27 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Dodgers -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Pirates +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Dodgers -1.5 (-110) | Pirates +1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Dodgers at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Dodgers 4, Pirates 2

Moneyline

The Dodgers have won 3 straight games on the road and are 17-11 on the road this season while the Pirates are 12-15 at home.

The Pirates are 11-13 against teams with winning records like the Dodgers.

The Dodgers have allowed 3 or fewer runs in 5 of their last 6 games, all wins.

Expect the Dodgers with Glasnow to take the opener but don’t bet them at -190.

PASS.

Run line/Against the spread

Fifteen of the Dodgers’ last 16 wins have been by 2 or more runs.

The Pirates are 33-26 ATS overall this season but are 13-14 ATS at home. In their 7 losses when Jones has started, 6 have been by 2 or more runs.

BET DODGERS -1.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Pirates have had totals of 8 or more runs in 6 straight games and in 10 of their last 11.

The Dodgers have had 7 of their last 8 stay Under 8 runs. Four of Glasnow’s 5 road starts have not reached 8 runs.

BET UNDER 8 (-120).

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Pittsburgh Pirates at Detroit Tigers Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Pittsburgh Pirates at Detroit Tigers Game 1 odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates (25-29) and Detroit Tigers (26-27) play the 1st game of a doubleheader Wednesday at Comerica Park. First pitch is scheduled for 12:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Pirates vs. Tigers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

These teams were supposed to kick off a 2-game series Tuesday night, but the game was washed out, setting up a doubleheader on Wednesday.

The Pirates won the 1st meeting 7-4 on April 8 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh as the favorite (-126) with the Over (8) cashing. The Tigers won the finale 5-3 as slight underdogs (+108) on April 9 as the Under (8.5) hung on.

Pittsburgh is a respectable 5-4 in the past 9 games since May 16, hitting the Over in 4 of the previous 5 outings.

The Tigers polished off the Toronto Blue Jays 14-11 on Monday, and they ended up taking 2 of 3 in the holiday weekend series. The Over has cashed in 8 of the past 9 outings for Detroit.

The Pirates are 4-10 in interleague play this season, and 13-14 on the road. The Tigers are 8-6 against NL teams, while going 13-14 at home.

Pirates at Tigers Game 1 projected starters

RHP Jared Jones vs. LHP Tarik Skubal

Jones (3-4, 3.05 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 0.97 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 10.4 K/9 in 59 IP.

Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K in 9-5 home loss in 10 innings vs. San Francisco Giants last Wednesday
2024 road splits: 2-2, 3.86 ERA (28 IP, 12 ER), 0.93 WHIP, .221 opponents’ batting average (OBA), 5 HR, 3 BB, 35 K in 5 starts

Skubal (6-1, 2.25 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 0.85 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 10.8 K/9 in 60 IP.

Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 8-3 road loss vs. Kansas City Royals last Wednesday
2024 home splits: 3-0, 2.61 ERA (31 IP, 9 ER), 0.97 WHIP, .191 OBA, 8 BB, 33 K in 5 starts

Pirates at Tigers Game 1 odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:04 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pirates +124 (bet $100 to win $124) | Tigers -146 (bet $146 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-178) | Tigers -1.5 (+146)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -122 | U: +100)

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Pirates at Tigers Game 1 picks and predictions

Prediction

Tigers 4, Pirates 3

Moneyline

The TIGERS (-146) are a solid play in the opener of this potential pitcher’s duel against the visiting Pirates (+124).

Jones and Skubal each have tremendous splits, and runs should be at a premium. Skubal hasn’t allowed much at home, however, and the Pirates aren’t likely to change that.

Run line/Against the spread

The Pirates +1.5 (-178) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s a little too much risk for not enough reward, even in a game which is expected to be rather close.

PASS, and just look to the moneyline instead.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-122) is worth a look, even with 2 tremendous pitchers squaring off against each other. This number is rather low, and these 2 have surprisingly had plenty of Over results.

The total has gone high in 8 of the past 9 games for the Tigers. It’s rather shocking that the Over is 8-1 in Skubal’s past 9 starts, too, but many of the times it’s been tremendous offensive support.

The Over has cashed in 3 straight starts for Jones, too. We might not get a slugfest, but this number is rather low given the recent total results for both of these hurlers.

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San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Francisco Giants (24-26) and Pittsburgh Pirates (23-27) wrap a 3-game series Thursday at PNC Park. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Giants vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Giants lead 3-2

The first 2 games of this series both went 10 innings with the Giants rallying for a 9-5 victory as +108 underdogs Wednesday, a day after the Pirates rallied for a 7-6 win as +119 dogs in Tuesday’s opener. Thanks to the late drama, the Over cashed in both games.

The Pirates are vying for a 2nd consecutive series win, something they haven’t done since winning the first 3 series of the season against the Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles from March 28-April 7.

The Over is 5-2 in the past 7 games for Pittsburgh, and this series has been in stark contrast to the 3-game set at Oracle Park from April 26-28, when these teams cashed the Under in all 3 outings.

The Giants have won 5 of the past 6 games, while cashing the Over at a 4-1 clip in the past 5 outings. The total has gone high in 9 of the past 13 games for San Francisco, too.

Giants at Pirates projected starters

RHP Mason Black vs. RHP Paul Skenes

Black (0-1, 7.71 ERA) makes his 4th career start. He has a 1.97 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9 and 6.2 K/9 in 11 2/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 3 IP, 4 ER, 4 H (1 HR), 0 BB, 2 K in 10-5 home win vs. Colorado Rockies Friday
Last (only) road start: Loss, 4 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 8 H (1 HR), 3 BB, 4 K in 6-1 setback at Philadelphia Phillies May 6

Skenes (1-0, 2.70 ERA) makes his 3rd career start. He has a 0.90 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 16.2 K/9 in 10 innings.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 11 K (100 pitches) in 9-3 victory at Chicago Cubs Friday
Last (only) home start: No-decision, 4 IP, 3 ER, 6 H (1 HR), 2 BB, 7 K in 10-9 win vs. Cubs May 11

Giants 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 4:26 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Giants +134 (bet $100 to win $134) | Pirates -158 (bet $158 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Giants +1.5 (-162) | Pirates -1.5 (+134)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Giants at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Pirates 5, Giants 2

Moneyline

The PIRATES (-158) are worth a look as moderate favorites behind their new ace Skenes.

The rookie right-hander out of LSU was tearing up Triple-A and has carried things over through 2 starts in the majors. He baffled the Cubs in 6 hitless innings last time out at Wrigley Field. This will be his 1st outing against another team besides Chicago, so it will be interesting to see how he handles the Giants (+134). But if his first 2 career starts are any indication, he’ll be just fine.

Run line/Against the spread

The PIRATES -1.5 (+134) is worth playing lightly if you’re a little less conservative, and you like to roll the dice. Obviously, don’t play both the run line and the moneyline for full units each as we’re not looking to double dip. I could see divvying up 1½ units between the 2 options.

There is a bit of risk on the RL play as 3 of the past 4 wins for Pittsburgh have been by just a single run. Of course, the lone exception was a 9-3 win at Wrigley Field in Skenes’ last start.

Over/Under

UNDER 8.5 (-115) is worth a look, but be careful. Skenes is likely to toss up plenty of donuts, but the Giants are expected to use Black, who has been very giving. As mentioned, the Over cashed in the first 2 games of this series, too, so there’s that.

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San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Francisco Giants (23-26) and Pittsburgh Pirates (23-26) play the 2nd game of a 3-game series at PNC Park Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Giants vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 2-2

The Giants snapped a 4-game winning streak Tuesday with a 7-6 loss in 10 innings against Pittsburgh while failing to cash as -129 road favorites. San Francisco led 6-2 after 8 innings but allowed 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th and the game-winning run in the 10th. LHP Erik Miller was credited with the loss.

Pittsburgh has won back-to-back games after taking down San Francisco Tuesday and cashing as a +119 home underdog. Pirates 2B Nick Gonzalez walked it off in the 10th with a run-scoring single.

Giants at Pirates projected starters

LHP Blake Snell vs. RHP Jared Jones

Snell (0-3, 11.57 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.97 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 in 11 2/3 innings.

Has been out since April 19 (adductor strain)
Has allowed 15 ER and 2 HR this season while striking out 12 and walking 5

Jones (3-4, 2.89 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 0.91 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9 and 10.7 K/9 in 53 innings.

Pirates are 4-5 in his starts, including 2-1 in his last 3
Has allowed 3 or fewer ER in each start
Has allowed 17 ER and 9 HR while striking out 63 and walking 7

Giants 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 10:17 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Giants +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Pirates -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Giants +1.5 (-225) | Pirates -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Giants at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Pirates 5, Giants 4

Moneyline

BET PIRATES (-120).

The Pirates are 4-1 in their last 5 games and have scored 5 or more runs in 3 of their last 5 while allowing 3 or fewer in 3 of their last 4. They face Snell who struggled mightily before his injury and is seeing his 1st action in over a month.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

There is no value on the run line.

Over/Under

BET OVER 7.5 (+100).

The Giants have scored 6 or more runs in 3 of their last 4 games and hit the Over in 6 of their last 8. Pittsburgh has scored 5 or more runs in 3 of its last 5 games and also hit the Over in 6 of its last 10. While Jones has been outstanding for the Pirates on the mound this season, expect the game to surpass the low total of 7.5 runs.

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San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Francisco Giants (23-25) and Pittsburgh Pirates (22-26) meet Tuesday to open a 3-game series. First pitch from PNC Park is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Giants vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Giants lead 2-1

San Francisco beat the Colorado Rockies 4-1 Sunday, covering as a -209 home favorite Sunday. The Rockies opened with a run in the 1st, but that was it and the Giants plated 3 in the 5th and 1 in the 6th en route to the win. The Giants have won 4 consecutive games and have scored at least 10 runs in 2 of their last 3 wins.

Pittsburgh escaped with a 3-2 win at the Chicago Cubs Sunday, covering as a +115 underdog. RHP Mitch Keller picked up the win, pitching 6 innings of 2-run ball on 2 hits and 3 walks with 3 K’s. 2B Nick Gonzales‘ 2-run single gave the Bucs a 3-1 lead in the top of the 5th and 3 Pirates relievers shut down the Cubs the final 3 innings after Chicago cut the deficit to 3-2 in the 6th. Pittsburgh took 3 of 4 at Wrigley, only losing Saturday.

Giants at Pirates projected starters

RHP Logan Webb vs. LHP Martin Perez

Webb (4-4, 3.03 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 1.35 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 through 59 1/3 innings.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K in 4-1 home victory vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday
Career vs. Pirates: 1-1, 2.84 ERA (12 2/3 IP, 4 ER), 12 H, 3 BB, 13 K in 2 starts; last faced Bucs in 2022

Perez (1-3, 4.86 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.50 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 7.2 K/9 through 50 innings.

Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 9 ER, 11 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 10-2 loss at Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday
Career vs. Giants: 1-1, 2.33 ERA (19 1/3 IP, 5 ER), 11 H, 3 BB, 14 K across 3 starts
2024 vs. Giants: 1 road start, no-decision, 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K in 4-3 Pirates win in 10 innings April 27 — game was tied 1-1 after 9

Giants 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 1:37 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Giants -136 (bet $136 to win $100) | Pirates +116 (bet $100 to win $116)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Giants -1.5 (+125) | Pirates +1.5 (-150)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -118 | U: -104)

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Giants at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Giants 6, Pirates 5

Moneyline

LEAN GIANTS (-136).

San Francisco has won 4 straight games and is 6-2 in its last 8 overall. The Giants are also 5-1 in their last 6 matchups vs. the Pirates, including 3-0 in the last 3 games in Pittsburgh.

This is only a lean because the Giants are just 8-15 on the road this season and because both teams have been similarly hot recently.

Run line/Against the spread

While the moneyline lean is with the Giants, consider backing Pittsburgh +1.5 (-150) as I’m predicting a 1-run game.

Expect a tightly contested contest. The Pirates are 3-1 in their last 4 games and are a very similar team to the Giants in terms of overall record.

Pittsburgh is 27-21 ATS this season and is 3-1 ATS in its last 4 games.

Over/Under

BET OVER 7.5 (-118).

The Over has hit in 2 of San Francisco’s last 3 overall and is 6-4 in its last 10 games. For Pittsburgh, the Over is 6-3-1 in its last 10 and is 2-0-1 in its last 3 home games.

The Over also hit in 2 of the 3 head-to-head meetings in Pittsburgh just last month.

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Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Pittsburgh Pirates (21-26) visit the Chicago Cubs (26-21) at Wrigley Field Sunday to finish their 4-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 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: Tied 3-3

It was a pitchers’ duel in Chicago Saturday. Both teams combined for 9 hits and 15 K’s in a 1-0 Cubs victory. The line of 8.5 total runs didn’t come close, while those who bet Chicago (-210) came away thankful.

Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga lowered his ERA to 0.84 and 3B Christopher Morel brought in the only run, a single in the bottom of the 9th inning to walk it off.

Pirates LHP Bailey Falter also showed off his arm, throwing for 7 2/3 innings and allowing just 3 hits.

Pirates at Cubs projected starters

RHP Mitch Keller vs. RHP Jameson Taillon

Keller (4-3, 3.93 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.32 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 in 55 innings.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 7 K in 8-6 road win at Milwaukee Brewers Monday
2024 road stats: 2-2, 4.03 ERA (29 IP, 13 ER) in 5 starts

Taillon (3-1, 1.61 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 5.8 K/9 in 28 innings.

Last start: Loss, 4 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 2 K in 7-0 loss to Atlanta Braves Tuesday
2024 home stats: 3-0, 1.08 ERA (16 2/3 IP, 2 ER) in 3 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 9:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pirates +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Cubs -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-200) | Cubs -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Pirates at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 7, Pirates 3

Moneyline

The Cubs are 14-8 (63.6%) straight up at Wrigley this year. On top of that, they post a 12-7 record (63.2%) as favorites.

LEAN CUBS (-125).

Run line/Against the spread

Coming off of a loss, the Pirates have the worst cover rate in baseball at 9-16 (36%). But after a win, the Cubs are not something to rest your hat on. They are 12-13 (48%) and 2-7 (22.2%) against divisional opponents.

I personally would stick with the moneyline.

AVOID.

Over/Under

Despite last game, the Cubs and Pirates tend to go Over when they play against NL Central teams. Chicago has an Over record of 5-3-1 (62.5%), while Pittsburgh’s is 7-5-1 (58.3%). I expect a rebound from both teams after Saturday’s offensive woes.

BET OVER 7.5 (-105).

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Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

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

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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

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)

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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.

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Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Pittsburgh Pirates (19-25) and Chicago Cubs (25-19) open a 4-game series at Wrigley Field Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 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 2-1

The Pirates are coming off a 10-2 loss as +135 underdogs at the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday. LHP Martín Pérez allowed 9 ER (5 HR) in 5 innings, which helped the Over (8) easily cash.

Chicago won 7-1 as a +164 underdog at the Atlanta Braves Wednesday as the Under (9) cashed. RHP Javier Assad pitched 6 scoreless innings for the Cubs, who avoided being swept in 3 games.

Pirates at Cubs projected starters

RHP Jared Jones vs. LHP Justin Steele

Jones (2-4, 2.68 ERA) makes his 9th start. The rookie has a 0.87 WHIP, 1.3 BB/9 and 10.7 K/9 in 47 IP.

Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 2 ER (3 R), 2 BB, 4 K in 7-2 home defeat vs. Cubs Friday
Road stats: 1-2, 3.68 ERA (22 IP, 9 ER), 0.86 WHIP in 4 starts

Steele (0-0, 4.73 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 in 13 1/3 IP.

Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 6 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K in 10-9 loss at Pirates Saturday
2024 home stats: 0-0, 0.00 ERA (4 2/3 IP), 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K in 1 start, a 6-3 setback vs. San Diego Padres May 6
Career vs. Pirates: 1-2, 6.46 ERA (30 2/3 IP, 22 ER), 1.47 WHIP in 6 starts and 1 relief appearance, including 0-1 with an 8.00 ERA (9 IP, 8 ER) in 2 starts last season

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 12:01 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pirates +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Cubs -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-200) | Cubs -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Pirates at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Pirates 3, Cubs 2

Moneyline

Pittsburgh (+105) has the advantage at starting pitcher with Jones, who has allowed 2 or fewer ER in 5 of his last 7 starts. Steele has surprisingly struggled when facing the Pirates in his career and gave up 3 HRs in just 4 IP against them on Saturday.

However, the Cubs offense may come back to life in later innings against the Pirates bullpen, making the 1st 5 innings a slightly safer play.

BET PIRATES FIRST 5 INNINGS (+100).

Run line/Against the spread

Pittsburgh +1.5 (-200) should cover, but it’s a losing proposition long term to lay -200 on a team in MLB.

PASS. Bet Pirates 1st 5 innings and/or the total instead.

Over/Under

The Under has hit in 3 straight Cubs games as they have scored a total of just 7 runs over that span — all in their last game after back-to-back shutouts. Pittsburgh’s offense hasn’t been much better, either, putting up a total of just 5 runs over its last 2 games.

While the market is expecting Steele to bounce back (his O/U for ER is set at 1.5), he has struggled against Pittsburgh, and that’s cause for concern.

LEAN UNDER 7.5 (-105).

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Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Pittsburgh Pirates (19-23) and Milwaukee Brewers (24-17) meet for the 2nd-game of a 3-game series Tuesday. First pitch from American Family Field is set for 7:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pirates vs. Brewers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Pittsburgh leads 3-2

Pittsburgh won the series opener 8-6 on Monday to cover as a +125 road underdog. The Pirates led 5-0 midway through the 7th and then helld off a later Milwaukee rally. RHP Mitch Keller got the win with 6 IP, 0 ER, 8 H, 0 BB and 7 K.

RHP Colin Rea took the loss, with 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 BB with 5 K. The Brewers have lost back-to-back games and given up at least 4 runs in each of their last 3 losses.

Pirates at Brewers projected starters

RHP Quinn Priester vs. RHP Joe Ross

Priester (0-3, 3.86 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.43 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 5.1 K/9 in 21 IP.

Last start: Loss, 4 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 1 K in a 9-0 home loss vs. the Los Angeles Angels Tuesday
Career vs. Milwaukee: 0-0, 6.75 ERA (4 IP, 3 ER), 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K in 1 start

Ross (1-4, 4.75 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 1.47 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 in 36 IP.

Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 2 K in a 6-4 loss at Kansas City Wednesday
Career vs. Pittsburgh: 1-2, 2.19 ERA (24 2/3 IP, 6 ER), 25 H, 4 BB, 28 K in 5 starts

Pirates at Brewers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:51 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pirates +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Brewers -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-150) | Brewers -1.5 (+125)
Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pirates at Brewers picks and predictions

Prediction

Pirates 7, Brewers 4

Moneyline

BET PIRATES (+135).

Pittsburgh is 2-1 in its last 3 games and 5-5 in its last 10 while the Brewers have lost 2 straight and are 4-6 in their last 10. The Pirates are also 2-1 in their last 3 meetings against the Brewers in Milwaukee and are 4-2 in the last 6 matchups overall.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I like the Pirates to cover here, but I like their odds better on the moneyline as +1.5 (-150) underdogs is a bit risky to bet on. Both teams have been very solid ATS this season, with the Brewers being 23-18 and the Pirates 22-20, making this bet even more risky.

Bet on the moneyline and/or total instead.

Over/Under

BET OVER 8.5 (-110).

The Over is 3-0-1 in Pittsburgh’s last 4 games and is 5-3-2 in its last 10 outings. For Milwaukee, the Over is 6-1 in its last 7 games and is 7-3 in its last 10. The Over has also hit in back-to-back Pittsburgh-Milwaukee matchups.

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