Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Predictions September 20, 2023: M. Keller vs J. Steele

Game outlook

This matchup is the final regular season game for both teams and the Cubs are currently in the hunt for the final Wild Card spot in the National League.

Game Info

When: Wednesday, 9/20/2023 @ 7:40pm EST

Where: Wrigley Field Stadium Pirates vs Cubs Betting Odds Moneyline: Pirates +145 | Cubs -175

Spread: Pirates +1.5 (-142) | Cubs -1.5 (+120)

Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 64%.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have had a disappointing season, yet still have a chance at a strong finish. Quinn Priester is among the team's young pitching rotation, but has struggled significantly, allowing 33 runs in 32.2 innings. The Pirates have a .292 expected opponent Batting Average, a .486 expected opponent Slugging Percentage, and a 6.25 expected ERA. The team is scoring an average of 4.19 runs per game, while allowing 4.79 points to be scored against them per game. The lineup has been led by Bryan Reynolds (.272/.333/.474, 22 home runs, 251 total bases) and Jack Suwinski (.214/.335/.453, 25 home runs, 184 total bases), but only three active batters have an OPS+ over 100. The Pirates have a team record of 70-81 this season.

Chicago Cubs Analysis

The Cubs are having a great season and hope to secure a spot in the wild card in the final weeks of the season. Justin Steele has an outstanding season with only 62 runs in 165 innings pitched while tossing 164 strikeouts. The Cubs offense has been powered by Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Christopher Morel, Patrick Wisdom, and Dansby Swanson, with a combined 41 home runs and 342 total bases. The Cubs have a power ranking of 12 and are #7 for offense (4.99 Runs per game), #14 for defense (4.42 points per game) and 79-72 overall. Pittsburgh went 3-0 in their last 3 matchups against Chicago.