Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 7/2/2019 Predictions & Odds

Cubs vs. Pirates Tuesday Prediction

The Cubs are scuffling, and frustration has set in following an embarrassing loss at PNC Park last night. That said, Chicago is a small favorite tonight in Pittsburgh – will the Cubs even their series with the Pirates at 7:05 p.m. ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

901 Chicago Cubs (-135) at 902 Pittsburgh Pirates (+120); 9 runs

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

7:05 p.m. ET, PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

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Public Betting Trends

According to our MLB Public Betting Chart page, 55% of the betting tickets are on the Cubs to beat the Pirates on the moneyline.

Chicago Cubs Fantasy Spin

Craig Kimbrel gave up three runs and two homers in an inning mopping up against the Pirates on Monday. Josh Bell and Jose Osuna took him deep. Kimbrel was just getting some work in and he hasn't always been the best in non-save situations anyway, so it's probably best not to read too much into this. He could still get the Cubs' next save chances.

Pittsburgh Pirates Fantasy Spin

Josh Bell went 4-for-6 with three homers and seven RBI as the Pirates thrashed the Cubs 18-5 on Monday. Bell had his first down month of the season in June (.208/.316/.448 with 4 HR in 114 PA), but he certainly started July on the right note. It was his first career three-homer game and the 10th by a major leaguer this season. He's up to 25 homers, and he increased his major league RBI lead to 10 (77 to Cody Bellinger's 67).

MLB Betting Trends

Chicago

The Cubs are just 1-4 in their last five road games.

Pittsburgh

The Pirates have won five straight games at PNC Park.

Prediction:

The Cubs have dropped six out of their last 10 games but I like backing good teams coming off embarrassing efforts and last night was embarrassing for Joe Maddon’s club. The Cubs have won seven of Kyle Hendricks’ last nine starts and are 8-3 in his last 11 outings versus the rest of the National League Central. The Pirates, meanwhile, are just 1-4 in Joe Musgrove’s last five starts versus the rest of the division and are 2-7 in their last nine games overall. against fellow NL Central foes.

The Pick: Chicago Cubs -135