Pirates vs. Cubs Prediction
Will the Cubs hand the slumping Pirates yet another loss when the NL Central rivals clash at 2:20PM ET today at Wrigley Field?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Cubs are -182 money line favorites versus the Pirates, who have odds of +162 to pull off the upset. Gerrit Cole will oppose Kyle Hendricks in today’s pitching matchup.
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In two games Cole is 0-1 with a 6.55 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP over 11 innings. He pitched six frames last Sunday against the Braves, allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four in a no-decision. He allowed a pair of runs in the first inning on a home run but he settled in before allowing another solo shot to Freddie Freeman.
Hendricks (1-0) gave up four runs on five hits and a walk in six innings Saturday, though he struck out six and came away with a win over the Brewers. He gave up a pair of home runs after allowing just 15 in 30 starts last season.
Bet Today’s Pirates vs. Cubs Game
OUR PICK: The Cubs are a little overpriced here but with the Pirates slumping as badly as they are, I like Chicago to win at home. The Cubs are a perfect 5-0 in Hendricks’ last five starts versus the Bucs, who are 0-6 in their last six trips to Wrigley Field. After Pittsburgh blew a 3-0 lead yesterday in Boston, the road-weary Pirates are vulnerable, which isn’t a good spot to be in when facing the defending champs.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: CHICAGO CUBS -182