The Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates meet Sunday in MLB action from PNC Park. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs Prediction.
Starting Pitching Matchup
The Chicago Cubs will trot out Kyle Hendricks for this one and Hendricks is 0-3 with a 12.00 ERA and 16 strikeouts this season. In his career, Hendricks is 9-13 with a 3.59 ERA and 117 strikeouts against the Pirates. Pittsburgh will send out Bailey Falter to the mound here and Falter is 2-2 with a 4.34 ERA and 26 strikeouts this season. In his career, Falter is 0-3 with a 10.13 ERA and 9 strikeouts against the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs Recap
The Chicago Cubs will be looking to rebound after a 10-9 loss in a rain delayed Saturday tilt with the Pirates, and a win in Sunday’s rubber match would give the Cubs their second series win in three sets after beating the Brewers last weekend before falling to the Padres to start this week.
Cubs Break Out On Saturday, But Still Fall Short
Going into Saturday, Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs with 40 hits, 11 doubles and a .270 batting average while Christopher Morel has a team-high 8 home runs and 25 RBIs. Michael Busch has 7 homers with 19 RBIs but also has the unfortunate distinction of leading the Cubs with 50 strikeouts as well this season.
Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win
- The Cubs have lost each of their last four day games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
- The Pirates have won each of their last three day games against National League opponents.
- The Pirates have covered the run line in each of their last five home games against National League opponents following a win.
- The Cubs have failed to cover the run line each of their last four day games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
- The Cubs have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last four day games against opponents that held a losing record.
- The Cubs have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last four road games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
Pittsburgh Pirates Recap
The Pittsburgh Pirates will be hoping to carry forward some of their offensive success after rallying to take down the Cubs on Saturday. A win here for the Buccos would help Pittsburgh rebound from a series loss to the Angels to start the week which followed their series win over Colorado last weekend.
Pirates Come Alive Saturday At The Dish
Entering Saturday’s matchup, Bryan Reynolds has a team-high 36 hits with 4 home runs and 17 RBIs while Ke’Bryan Hayes has 31 hits with 7 doubles. Oneil Cruz has a team-high 51 strikeouts and 3 stolen bases while Connor Joe has a team-high 9 doubles with 15 RBIs and a .288 batting average. Jared Triolo has 3 stolen bases of his own as well this season.
Why the Chicago Cubs will win
- The Cubs have won each of their last six road games against National League opponents following a loss.
- The Pirates have lost each of their last five games against the Cubs following a home win.
- The Cubs have covered the run line in seven of their last eight games against the Pirates following a loss.
- The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in each of their last five games against the Cubs following a home win.
- The Pirates have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last six Sunday games.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs Prediction
I’m on the over here. I don’t trust either starting pitcher in this matchup as Hendricks has been god awful on the road, so I think even the Pirates’ offense, which has been dreadful at times, can get to Hendricks. On the other side, Falter’s had serious issues in his career against the Cubs, and it wouldn’t surprise me if both offenses broke through here. Give me the over.