Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs 9/27/18, Prediction & Odds

Pirates vs. Cubs Prediction

The Chicago Cubs have been struggling lately, but did pick up a home win yesterday and in the process clinched a postseason bid. But with Chicago seeing its NL Central lead down to a half-game, will it secure another important victory tonight in the series finale versus the Pittsburgh Pirates?

Game Snapshot

955 Pittsburgh Pirates at 956 Chicago Cubs

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Wrigley Field at 8:05PM ET

TV: MLB Network

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Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Cubs are a -155 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Pirates are a +145 underdog, while the total is set at 9.5 runs. As of Thursday afternoon, 55 percent of public bets are being placed on host Chicago. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest info.

Cubs secure win in 10 innings

Daniel Murphy was 2-for-5 with a stolen base and scored two runs from the leadoff spot in yesterday's 7-6 win in 10 innings as Chicago clinched a playoff berth. Anthony Rizzo went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Jason Heyward finished 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. Ian Happ ended the game 2-for-3 plus two walks. Kyle Schwarber was 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Brandon Kintzler retired both batters he faced to earn the win in relief.

Pirates hit two homers in loss

Starling Marte finished 1-for-5 with a double and two RBIs last night in the loss at the Cubs. Jose Osuna was 2-for-3 with a solo home run. Elias Diaz went 2-for-5 with two RBIs. Corey Dickerson ended the contest 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk. Kevin Newman was 2-for-4 and scored a run. Richard Rodriguez gave up one earned run on one hit with a walk in two-thirds of an inning of relief to take the loss.

Trevor Williams (14-9, 3.04 ERA) will take the hill for Pittsburgh today, while Chicago is going with Jon Lester (17-6, 3.43).

MLB Betting Trends

Pittsburgh

The Pirates are 2-7 in their last nine Thursday games. Pittsburgh is 8-3 in its last 11 games overall.

Chicago

The Cubs are 46-15 in their last 61 Thusrday games. The over is 6-2 in Lester's last eight starts versus Pittsburgh.

Prediction:

Williams has been fantastic since the All-Star Break and could be argued as the better starting pitcher in this matchup. After a thrilling win and a playoff berth last night, I could see a letdown for Chicago here. Lester has been good of late, but has had his share of duds this season. I'm not going to put it past him to have a bad outing here. Pittsburgh seems to relish the chance at spoiler, so I'm going to take a shot at the underdog here.

 

MLB DAILY PREDICTION: PITTSBURGH PIRATES +145