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Cubs Favored in Matchup Against Pirates in Windy City Series

This summary provides an update on the upcoming Pirates vs. Cubs game, which is the second of a four-game series in the Windy City. The Pittsburgh Pirates recently won a game against the Marlins, while the Chicago Cubs lost against the Phillies. The article includes information on the starting pitchers for each team and the current betting odds, with Chicago being the favorite. This update was published before the conclusion of the first game in the series at Wrigley Field.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Pirates -105 | Cubs -105
• Spread: Pirates -1.5 (+165) | Cubs +1.5 (-202)
• Total: Over/Under 7.25 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 51%.

Pittsburgh vs Chicago Stats

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a victory over the Miami Marlins, marking their fifth win in the last six games. The team currently holds a record of 28-41, placing them at the bottom of the NL Central division, 13.5 games behind the division-leading Cubs. Against Miami, the Pirates recorded seven hits, with Ke'Bryan Hayes scoring a run and Andrew McCutchen hitting his sixth home run of the season. Bailey Falter earned the win on the mound, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing one run. David Bednar closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning for his ninth save. Paul Skenes will start the next game for the Pirates, boasting a 4-6 record and a 1.88 ERA this season. In his last three starts, Skenes has been impressive, recording a 0.40 ERA. The Pirates currently rank 29th in offense, 14th in defense, and have a 27-41 record for the season.

Chicago Cubs Analysis

The Chicago Cubs lost the rubber game of their series with the Phillies due to an early sputtering offense. They currently hold the top spot in the NL Central with a record of 41-27. Against Philadelphia, the Cubs managed only eight hits and struggled with runners in scoring position. Pitcher Ben Brown took the loss, allowing six runs over 5.2 innings.

Now, Cade Horton will take the mound for the Cubs with a record of 3-1 and a 4.11 ERA. In his last start against the Tigers, he allowed four runs over five innings. Horton will be facing the Pirates for the first time in his career. Overall, the Cubs rank 2nd in the power rankings and are first in offense, scoring an average of 5.58 runs per game. Despite their strong offense, they are ranked 13th in defense, giving up an average of 3.97 runs per game. The Cubs have an overall record of 41-26 and recently lost two out of three matchups against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Strong Pitching Not Enough as Pirates Struggle to Support Skenes, Cubs Favored in Matchup

Skenes has proven himself as a skilled pitcher, evident by his impressive statistics. However, the Pirates have not provided significant offensive support during his games, resulting in a 4-6 record for Skenes this year. Despite consistently allowing two runs or less in his last seven starts, he has only won one of those games. Horton recently faced his first defeat in the major league against the Tigers, but he benefits from having a strong lineup behind him. The Cubs, playing at home, have the ability to score against the struggling Pirates bullpen. Their previous victory over Skenes on May 1, paired with a powerful offense, gives the hosts the upper hand in this matchup.

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