Cubs vs. Pirates Wednesday Prediction
The Cubs will send Yu Darvish to the hill on Wednesday night in Pittsburgh in attempts to end a three-game losing streak. Will the Pirates cash yet again as a home underdog versus their NL Central rivals?
Game Snapshot & Odds
953 Chicago Cubs (-132) at 954 Pittsburgh Pirates (+122); 9.5 runs
Wednesday, July 3, 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, 51% of the betting tickets are on the Cubs to beat the Pirates on the moneyline.
Chicago Cubs Fantasy Spin
Willson Contreras plated the Cubs’ only run with an RBI double in Tuesday’s loss to the Pirates. Contreras prevented the shutout with a two-out, two-bagger that drove in Kyle Schwarber, but the Cubs still fell by four runs. With 49 RBI, Contreras trails only Gary Sanchez among catchers in runs driven in.
Pittsburgh Pirates Fantasy Spin
Adam Frazier went 4-for-4 with a three-run home run Tuesday as the Pirates took down the Cubs. Frazier delivered the big blow of the game with a two-out, three-run shot in the fourth inning off Mike Montgomery, as he launched one down the right field line and over the Clemente Wall. The second baseman also singled and doubled twice. Frazier has now gone 9-for-10 with six extra-base hits over the last two games out of the Pirates’ leadoff spot. He might have earned another start in the leadoff spot Wednesday, but Kevin Newman should be back at the top of the order soon.
MLB Betting Trends
Chicago
The Cubs are 1-5 in their last six road games when facing an opponent with a losing record.
Pittsburgh
The Pirates are 5-1 in their last six games after scoring five runs or more in their previous game.
Prediction:
Why not ride the hot hand? The Pirates have won six straight games at home and nine of 12 overall. They’re hitting the ball extremely well and are also 4-0 in their last four games versus the Cubs at PNC Park. On the other side, the Cubs have dropped four out of their last five games and five of six on the road. They’re also just 1-4 in Darvish’s last five road starts when facing an opponent with a losing record.
The Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates +122