The Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs finish their four-game series on Sunday, making it the seventh time they've played each other in the last ten days. The Cubs won two of three in Pittsburgh, but the Pirates have bounced back by winning two at Wrigley Field. The Cubs hope to salvage a split in this game, as the Pirates are four games back in the National League Central. Both teams are chasing the Brewers, with the Cubs 1.5 games back from first place. It is time to continue our MLB odds series with a Pirates-Cubs prediction, pick, and how-to-watch.
Mitch Keller gets the start for the Pirates, and his results over the last five games will drive bettors crazy. Keller allowed four earned runs in back-to-back games, thanks to many walks and a home run per game. He began to clean it up in his next two games, but it was against the Athletics and Angels. His last start was disappointing for anyone betting on the Brewers, as Keller gave up eight hits but no earned runs. His eight hits allowed was a high over his last five games, but his zero earned runs were a season-best. Keller has zeroed in on his control, walking no batters, which helped the scoreless outing.
The Cubs starting pitchers have been lights out this season, evidenced by Jameson Taillon having a 1.61 ERA and being the third-best starter on the team. Taillon started in five games this season, allowing more than one earned run just once, in his last start against the Brewers. Taillon allowed two home runs and seven runs, but his defense let him down since five were unearned.
Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Pirates-Cubs Odds
Pittsburgh Pirates: +1.5 (-200)
Moneyline: +108
Chicago Cubs: -1.5 (+164)
Moneyline: -126
Over: 7.5 (-128)
Under: 7.5 (+104)
How to Watch Pirates vs. Cubs
Time: 2:20 PM ET/11:20 AM PT
TV: Marquee Sports Network, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Pirates Will Cover The Spread/Win
Jameson Taillon lost his last outing because the Cubs couldn't give him any run support in a 7-0 loss. Taillon had two earned runs but was on the mound for all seven. The run support issues could arise again in this game, as the Cubs are averaging 2.8 runs/nine over their last five games.
The Pirates averaged 5.4 runs/nine over their last five games and are slugging the ball, hitting two home runs per game. It could be a problem for Taillon, as he's had home run issues in the past, and they popped up again when he allowed two in his last outing. If the Pirates can get some runners on base and get into a Taillon meatball, they'll be in good shape to win this series.
Why The Cubs Will Cover The Spread/Win
It's hard to bet against Jameson Taillon. He had a winning decision in three of his first four games but took the loss in his last outing due to some poor defense behind him and a lack of offensive support.
Mitch Keller has a good-looking 1.80 ERA over his last three starts, but his numbers in the rest of the season leave something to be desired. The Cubs choked away a good outing from Taillon in his last outing, and they'll be determined to get him a win in this game.
Final Pirates-Cubs Prediction & Pick
The Cubs will have no shortage of motivation for this game. They controversially lost 1-0 on Saturday, when Cody Bellinger was called out at home plate. They also want to get a split in this series, as the Pirates are trying to chase them down in the National League Central. Take Jameson Taillon to get the job done in the rubber match of this four-game set.
Click here for more betting news and predictions
Final Pirates-Cubs Prediction & Pick: Cubs ML (-126)
Follow Us
Subscribe
