Chicago Cubs vs
Pittsburgh PiratesPredictions & Preview

Pittsburgh Pirates Poised to Upset Chicago Cubs in Favorable Matchup: Cubs vs. Pirates Series Preview and Prediction

The Chicago Cubs (17-12) and Pittsburgh Pirates (11-18) are set to begin a three-game series on Tuesday after a day off for both teams. This matchup marks the first meeting of the season between these NL Central rivals. The Cubs are coming off a series loss to the Phillies, while the Pirates also dropped their last series to the Dodgers. Shota Imanaga (3.18 ERA) will start for the Cubs, while Andrew Heaney (1.72 ERA) will take the mound for the Pirates. The Cubs are favored to win with a current line of -136. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 EST. Stay tuned for our Cubs vs. Pirates prediction.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cubs -136 | Pirates +123
• Spread: Cubs -1.5 (+115) | Pirates +1.5 (-135)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 58%.

Chicago vs Pittsburgh Stats

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs currently lead the NL Central division by 1.5 games over the Reds after a grueling stretch of games against several tough opponents. Pete Crow-Armstrong, a top prospect for the team, had the lone RBI in their recent loss to the Phillies. Crow-Armstrong is a 23-year old centerfielder with impressive stats in his first season as a full-time starter. Kyle Tucker leads the team in home runs and RBIs, while Ian Happ is also having a productive season. Shota Imanaga will make his 7th start for the team, with a 2-1 record and 3.18 ERA. Chicago ranks 1 in offense, 23 in defense, and has a 17-12 record this season.

Pittsburgh Pirates Analysis

The Pittsburgh Pirates recently completed a road trip, winning two of three games against the Angels but losing two of three to the Dodgers, resulting in a .500 record for the trip. The team currently sits in last place in the division, a game and a half behind the Cardinals for 4th place. In their last game against the Dodgers, Andrew McCutchen stood out with four hits and an RBI. McCutchen, now 38 years old, has transitioned mostly to the DH spot and remains a key player for the team. Oneil Cruz leads the team in home runs and RBIs, Bryan Reynolds leads in hits, and Andrew Heaney will make his sixth start of the season. The Pirates currently have a power ranking of 15 and are ranked #24 for offense, #12 for defense, with an overall record of 11-18. The team recently went 2-1 in their last three matchups against Chicago.

Pittsburgh Pirates Poised to Upset Chicago Cubs in Favorable Matchup

The upcoming matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates presents a favorable opportunity to consider the underdog at home. Chicago has recently faced tough competition in the National League, including games against formidable teams such as the Dodgers, Phillies, Padres, and Diamondbacks. Consequently, they may underestimate the Pirates, who are poised to capitalize on this potential oversight. With pitcher Heaney boasting the lowest ERA on the team at an impressive 1.72 and a remarkable streak of over 13 consecutive scoreless innings, the Pirates have demonstrated their ability to secure surprise victories. Notably, Pittsburgh managed to secure a win against the Dodgers in their previous series, further emphasizing their potential for success. In this scenario, it may be wise to consider supporting the Pirates in securing another unexpected win against the Cubs.

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