The Chicago Cubs (34-38) and Pittsburgh Pirates (34-37) square off on Tuesday at PNC Park at 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Cubs lead 4-0
The Cubs beat the Pirates 8-0 on Monday and have won 8 of their last 10 games. They can move ahead of Pittsburgh and into 3rd place in the NL Central with another win Tuesday.
The Pirates are scuffling, as they have lost 7 games in a row, including 4 games to the Cubs. During the losing streak they have been outscored 51-17.
Cubs at Pirates projected starters
RHP Marcus Stroman vs. RHP Johan Oviedo
Stroman (8-4, 2.45 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has a 1.04 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 in 91 2/3 innings.
- Has won 6 straight starts, posting a 1.51 ERA during that span. During the recent hot stretch his 31/14 K/BB is mediocre, but he’s been aided by a .189 BABIP and 4% HR/F
- Has 2.72 ERA in 7 road starts, but with 18 walks in 39 2/3 IP (4.1 BB/9)
Oviedo (3-6, 4.40 ERA) makes his 15th start. He has a 1.47 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 in 75 2/3 innings.
- Couldn’t get out of the 5th inning against the Cubs last time out, but had 8 K’s, his 2nd-best mark of the season
- Has a 3.86 ERA in 7 home starts with just 2 HRs allowed and a 34/14 K/BB in 42 IP
Cubs at Pirates odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cubs -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Pirates +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+135) | Pirates +1.5 (-160)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Cubs at Pirates picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 5, Pirates 3
Moneyline
The Pittsburgh bats have been extremely quiet lately, as they have managed just 20 runs over their last 9 games. Stroman hasn’t pitched as well as his ERA would suggest, but he is certainly in a good spot here, and his team should come out on top and send the Pirates to their 8th straight loss. Back the CUBS -135.
Run line/Against the spread
The Chicago offense has been rolling lately, with 52 runs in their last 7 games, and most of that damage has been done against Pittsburgh pitching (36 runs in 4 games). Oviedo’s skills have been pretty marginal throughout the season, and the Cub bats stand a strong chance of staying hot in this game. Take the CUBS -1.5 (+135), as they should remain hot and win by multiple runs.
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Over/Under
The total has gone over in 6 of Chicago’s last 8 games and their offense should do their part in getting there again Tuesday. However, the slumping Pirates probably won’t do much against Stroman. There doesn’t appear to be much value on either side of this line so PASS.
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