Pirates vs. Cubs Prediction
Will the Cubs salvage the final game of the series against the Pirates when the two teams meet at 2:20PM ET?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Cubs are -165 money line favorites versus the Pirates, who have odds of +149 to pull off yet another upset in Chicago today. With Jameson Taillon set to face Jon Lester in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 8.5 runs.
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PIRATES KEY TRENDS: The Pirates have won back-to-back games in Chicago but are still just 3-9 in their last 12 road games versus the Cubs. They’re also just 6-13 in their last 20 games overall, are 2-7 in their last nine road games, and are 0-4 in their last five games versus a left-handed starter.
CUBS KEY TRENDS: The Cubs are 22-5 in Lester’s last 27 home starts, are 7-0 in his last seven home starts against team with a losing record, and are 21-6 in his last 27 outings overall versus a team with a losing record. They’ve also won six of Lester’s last eight starts against National League Central rivals.
Bet Today’s Pirates vs. Cubs Game
OUR PICK: I’m going to play the odds here and suggest the Pirates can’t sweep the Cubs in Chicago. Lester should keep the suddenly hot Pittsburgh offense in check and with Anthony Rizzo (3-for-5 with two homers against Taillon) and Kyle Schwarber (has reached base in five of 11 plate appearances leading off a game this season) both seeing the ball well, I like the Cubs to cash.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: CHICAGO CUBS -165