Pirates vs. Cubs Pick
Are the Pittsburgh Pirates and host Chicago Cubs going to go over or under the total Monday night in the series opener? First pitch is 8:05PM EST.
Sports book Bovada.lv has made the Cubs a -164 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Pirates are a +142 underdog, while the over-under is set at 8.5.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Pittsburgh will go with Trevor Williams (5-6, 4.40) on the mound, while the Cubs counter with Mike Montgomery (4-6, 3.43). Williams has a 1.32 WHIP with 91 strikeouts over 122 1/3 innings. After being shelled by the Cardinals at home to the tune of eight earned runs in three innings, he rebounded strongly in his last start by shutting out the Dodgers on seven hits over eight innings during a 1-0 win in 10 innings. Montgomery carries a 1.27 WHIP over 102 1/3 innings, striking out 81 batters. He pitched six shutout innings with four hits allowed and four strikeouts his last start, a 9-3 win at the Reds.
The Pirates come in with a 63-68 record and is 28-37 on the road, while Chicago is 69-60 and 34-28 at home. The last 10 games have been split 5-5, while the over-under is 4-6.
Pittsburgh won its last two games at Cincinnati, including Sunday’s 5-2 victory. Starling Marte was 3-for-5 with a stolen base, a run and two RBIs to key the offense. John Jaso added a hit, two walks and two RBIs. A.J. Schugel picked up the win in relief. Chicago lost two out of three at the Phillies including Sunday’s 6-3 defeat. The Cubs scored three in the top of the first, but a five-run fifth inning for the hosts was the difference. John Lackey took the loss as he gave up five runs (four earned) in five innings, striking out eight. Tommy La Stella and Javier Baez each had two hits.
Both starting pitchers are coming off fantastic starts and the wind at Wrigley Field is blowing in slightly from right field. The best bet in this game is the under.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: PIRATES/CUBS UNDER 8.5