Chicago vs Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions August 25, 2023: K. Hendricks vs M. Keller
The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates will continue their National League Central rivalry on Friday at PNC Park, in the second game of a four-game series. The Cubs come in
Game outlook
The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates will continue their National League Central rivalry on Friday at PNC Park, in the second game of a four-game series. The Cubs come in with four wins in the last five games, currently in second in the NL Central standings and a half game ahead of the San Francisco Giants for the wildcard spot. Meanwhile, the Pirates have gone 3-4 over the last seven games, and without the services of six pitchers and three position players, Oneil Cruz, Henry Davis and Tucupita Marcano. For the Friday game Kyle Hendricks (ERA: 4.01) will take the mound for the Cubs and Mitch Keller (ERA: 4.22) will start for the Pirates, with the Cubs the betting favorites at -115.
Game Info
When: Friday, 8/25/2023 @ 7:05pm EST
Where: PNC Park Stadium Cubs vs Pirates Betting Odds Moneyline: Cubs -115 | Pirates +101
Spread: Cubs -1.5 (+140) | Pirates +1.5 (-163)
Total: Over/Under 9 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 53%.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are 16th in team ERA at 4.20 and 18th in WHIP at 1.28, but their offense is powering them to a 13th place ranking. They average 5.05 runs per game and have compiled 636 total runs, the fifth most in baseball. Nico Hoerner, Cody Bellinger, and Patrick Wisdom lead the way at the plate, each having hit 20 home runs, while Dansby Swanson and Christopher Morel are close behind at 19. Justin Steele has had the most success on the mound with 14 wins, 127 strikeouts, and an ERA of 2.80, while Kyle Hendricks will start Friday's game with 5-6 record and a 3.83 ERA.