Pirates vs. Cubs Prediction
The Chicago Cubs have struggled on the road all season, but return home today to open a weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Can Chicago record an important win in the NL Wild Card chase?
Game Snapshot
951 Pittsburgh Pirates at 952 Chicago Cubs
Friday, September 13, 2019
Wrigley Field at 4:05PM ET
TV: MLB Network
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Cubs are a -190 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Pirates are a +180 underdog, while the total is set at 10.5 runs. As of Friday morning, 69 percent of public bets are siding with host Chicago. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Pirates double up Giants
Pittsburgh picked up a 4-2 victory Wednesday at San Francisco to improve to 65-82 overall and 34-41 on the road. Jacob Stallings helped lead the offensive effort as he went 2-for-4 with a solo home run. Jose Osuna was 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Cole Tucker ended the contest 1-for-4 with a triple and a run scored. Joe Musgrove notched the win as he threw five shutout frames, giving up four hits with seven strikeouts and no walks. Felipe Vazquez earned the save as he allowed one hit with two strikeouts and one walk over one scoreless inning. Steven Brault will start tonight as he enters with a 4-4 record, 4.13 ERA and 4.41 WHIP plus 82 strikeouts across 100 1/3 innings pitched.
Cubs salvage split
Chicago picked up a 4-1 win Thursday afternoon at San Diego to improve to 78-68 overall and 31-44 on the road. Ian Happ helped pace the Cubs offense as he was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Jason Heyward finished 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Kris Bryant went 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Yu Darvish was spectacular on the mound as he gave up two hits with 14 strikeouts and two walks over six shutout innings. Jon Lester gets the start today as he comes in with a 12-10 record, 4.51 ERA and 1.46 WHIP plus 154 strikeouts over 155 2/3 innings of work.
MLB Betting Trends
Pittsburgh
The Pirates are 4-0 in their last four Friday games. Pittsburgh is 2-7 in the last nine Brault starts.
Chicago
The Cubs are 5-0 in their last five series openers. Chicago is 46-17 in the last 63 Lester home starts.
Prediction:
Lester has had an up-and-down season, but seems to get the job done more often than not at home considering the Cubs’ record at Wrigley with him on the mound. Chicago has plenty more to play for and Brault is very hittable. Have to go with the hosts here.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: CHICAGO CUBS -190