Cubs vs. Pirates Prediction
Can the Chicago Cubs pick up another road win over the Pittsburgh Pirates when the two meet up tonight at 7:05PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
905 Chicago Cubs at 906 Pittsburgh Pirates
Friday, August 17, 2018
7:05PM ET – PNC Park
TV: ATPT (Pit); NSCH (Chi)
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Cubs are the slight favorite on the road, as they are getting odds of -135 to win. The Pirates are listed with a money line of +125 to win, while the over/under total has been set at 8 runs. The public betting for this game currently has 72 percent going on Chicago on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Cubs take opener
The Cubs managed to win back-to-back games for the first time in over a week with Thursday’s 1-0 win. Chicago is now 70-50 on the season and 32-27 on the road. The Cubs are putting up 4.88 runs per game on offense while allowing 4.12 per contest.
Cole Hamels gets the start for the Cubs tonight. He is making his fourth start for the Cubs and 24th start overall this year. He is 7-9 on the season with a 4.22 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. Hamels has logged 132.1 innings this year and has 134 strikeouts with 46 walks.
Pirates fall to .500
The Pirates lost their fourth straight game on Thursday in the 1-0 loss to the Cubs. Pittsburgh is now 61-61 overall and 33-30 at home. The Pirates are putting up 4.51 runs per contest while allowing 4.51 per contest.
Trevor Williams gets the start for the Pirates on Friday night. He is 10-8 through 23 starts with a 3.66 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Williams has 82 strikeouts and 41 walks over 123.0 innings of work this year.
MLB Betting Trends
Chicago
The Cubs have won four of their last five road games coming into tonight and they are 10-4 in their last 14 Friday games.
Pittsburgh
The Pirates have lost five of their last seven following a loss an five of their last seven against a left-handed starter.
Prediction:
The move to Chicago has been a good one for Hamels. He has had three strong starts, allowing just two earned runs over 18 innings pitched with 20 strikeouts and only four walks. I think he will be able to handle the Pirates today as well, as Pittsburgh hasn’t been a great hitting team. The Cubs could have some struggles with Williams, but I think they eventually get to him or the Pittsburgh bullpen.
The Pick: Chicago Cubs -135