Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates 8/1/18, Prediction & Odds

Cubs vs. Pirates Prediction

With a home victory over the Chicago Cubs last night, the Pittsburgh Pirates ended its excellent July with a bang. Will Pittsburgh continue its winning ways tonight as the calendar shifts to August?

Game Snapshot

903 Chicago Cubs at 904 Pittsburgh Pirates

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

PNC Park at 7:05PM ET

TV: MLB Network

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Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers, the Cubs are a -118 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Pirates are a +108 underdog, while the total sits at 8 runs. As of Wednesday morning, 72 percent of public bets are being placed on visiting Chicago. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest updates.

Polanco leads way to win

Gregory Polanco had a big day at the plate last night as he finished 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk and three runs scored in a 5-4 victory over the Cubs. David Freese was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a run and two RBIs. Francisco Cervelli went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Jameson Taillon gave up three earned runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and two walks over 6 2/3 innings to get the win. Felipe Vazquez gave up one earned run on two hits with one strikeout to notch his 24th save.

Baez has big day for Cubs

Javier Baez compiled a big day with the bat Tuesday night by going 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs in the loss. Ben Zobrist was 1-for-3 with a double, two walks and a run. Jon Lester suffered the loss as he gave up four earned runs on seven hits over five innings, striking out three and walking three.

Cole Hamels (5-9, 4.72 ERA) will make his Cubs debut tonight, while Nick Kingham (5-5, 4.80) gets the nod for the Pirates.

MLB Betting Trends

Chicago

The Cubs are 12-5 in their last 17 during game two of a series. Chicago is 3-9 in its last 12 road games versus a right-handed starter.

Pittsburgh

The Pirates are 4-0 in their last four during game two of a series. Pittsburgh is 4-1 in its last five games against a left-handed starter.

Prediction:

Pittsburgh hits left-handed pitching well and has played great baseball over the last several weeks. Hamels gets a ballpark boost here, but he hasn't been pitching that well this season and has showed signs of aging. I like the Pirates to continue their hot play and pull within another game in the NL Central standings.

 

MLB DAILY PREDICTION: PITTSBURGH PIRATES +108