Pirates vs. Cubs Prediction
Will the Pirates beat the struggling Cubs this afternoon at Wrigley and pick up their fourth consecutive win?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Cubs are -145 money line favorites to beat the Pirates, who have odds of +135 to pull off the upset in Chicago. With Trevor Williams set to face Eddie Butler in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 9.5 runs.
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From Rotoworld: Williams yielded two runs on three hits over six-plus innings while taking a no-decision in Sunday’s loss to the Giants. Williams kept the Giants at bay through the first six innings, but ran into trouble after trotting out to start the seventh inning. Both runs on his line scored in that frame. He will look to close out his first half on a high note when he brings his 4.67 ERA and 1.22 WHIP into a road start against the Cubs next time out.
Butler surrendered four runs in 3 2/3 innings and was charged with a loss to the Reds on Saturday. He sailed through the first three innings untouched before the Reds jumped on him for four runs and knocked him from the game in the fourth. Butler allowed five hits and three walks while fanning two batters in the short outing. He falls to 4-3 with a 4.18 ERA and 1.42 WHIP.
Bet Today’s Pirates vs. Cubs Game
OUR PREDICTION: At one point on Thursday afternoon, the Cubs used Jon Jay as a pitcher. That’s fine and all, but he’s an outfielder. Things aren’t well in Chicago and while the Cubs should figure it out soon and get hot, it’s not likely to happen before the All-Star Break. They’re just 2-8 in their last 10 games versus a right-handed starter and the Pirates are hot. I’ll roll the dice on Pittsburgh.
FRIDAY MLB PREDICTION: PITTSBURGH PIRATES +135