Chicago Cubs vs
Pittsburgh PiratesPredictions & Preview

Chicago Cubs Favored Against Pittsburgh Pirates in Crucial Wild Card Race Matchup

The Chicago Cubs, currently at a .500 record (66-66), are still in the running for a National League Wild Card spot despite their inconsistency this season. They will be facing the Pittsburgh Pirates (62-69) in a series, with the Pirates boasting a strong starting rotation but lacking depth in their lineup. The pitching matchup for Tuesday's game will feature Justin Steele (ERA: 3.22) for the Cubs against Jared Jones (ERA: 3.56) for the Pirates. Chicago is the favorite in the betting lines, opening at -125 and currently at -117.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cubs -117 | Pirates +106
• Spread: Cubs -1.5 (+139) | Pirates +1.5 (-159)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 54%.

Chicago vs Pittsburgh Stats

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have had a rollercoaster season in 2024, currently sitting one game under .500 with a 30-37 record on the road. Despite this, they are only 4.5 games back of the final Wild Card spot in the NL. The team has scored 559 runs this season, ranking 16th in baseball, but boast the fifth best pitching staff in the league. In an effort to make up ground for a playoff spot, the Cubs will rely on lefty star Justin Steele, who has been performing impressively with a 3.07 ERA. The team recently secured a comprehensive victory over the Pirates, with strong performances from Dansby Swanson and Miguel Amaya. The Cubs are currently ranked 19th in offense, averaging 4.20 runs per game, and 9th in defense, allowing an average of 4.13 runs against them per game. Their current season record is 65-65.

Pittsburgh Pirates Analysis

The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled in the 2024 season after showing promise early on, currently sitting in last place in the National League Central with a 32-34 home record and out of playoff contention. Their lineup lacks depth, ranking 25th in total runs scored, and their pitching rotation has been inconsistent, sitting 13th in team ERA. Despite having budding stars, they have not been able to put it all together. Rookie Jared Jones will take the mound for Pittsburgh after posting a 3.56 ERA in his first 15 career starts. In their last game, they suffered a big loss with Domingo German allowing eight earned runs. The Pirates have a power ranking of 25 and rank 22nd in offense, scoring an average of 4.13 runs per game. They rank 15th in defense, giving up an average of 4.31 runs per game, and have an overall record of 61-68. Chicago has won two out of their last three matchups against Pittsburgh.

Cubs vs. Pirates: Intense Showdown as Teams Aim for Victory

The two teams have faced off eight times in 2024, resulting in a balanced 4-4 record despite differing levels of talent. Although both teams have showcased strong offensive performances, the Cubs have struggled when Justin Steele has been on the mound, posting a winless 0-3 record dating back to September 2023 and allowing 28 runs in those outings. As the Pirates look to secure an unexpected victory against a division rival, they are likely to capitalize on Steele's past difficulties and emerge triumphant. Expect an intense matchup as both teams vie for supremacy in their upcoming game.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ]