The Pittsburgh Pirates are hosting the Chicago Cubs on Thursday in Major League Baseball action. This is the first of a four-game series.
The Pirates are coming off a loss on Wednesday to the St. Louis Cardinals and are now 57-70 on the season. That’s fourth place in the National League Central. Pittsburgh is 31-33 at home this season.
For the Cubs, they picked up a win over the Tigers on Wednesday. Chicago is 66-60 on the season, second place in the division. The Cubs are 31-30 on the road. If the postseason started today, the Cubs would be in the National League Wildcard round.
Let’s find out a little about each MLB team and give you our Cubs vs Pirates prediction.
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Information
Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates
Location of the game: PNC Park. Pittsburgh, PA.
Date & Time: Thursday, August 24. 7:05 pm ET.
Watch On: SportsNet PT
Recent Scores
Chicago Cubs
- Saturday, August 19: 6-4 win vs. Royals
- Sunday, August 20: 4-3 win vs. Royals
- Monday, August 21: 7-6 win @ Tigers
- Tuesday, August 22: 8-6 loss @ Tigers
- Wednesday, August 23: 6-4 win @ Tigers
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Saturday, August 19: 7-4 win @ Twins
- Sunday, August 20: 2-0 loss @ Twins
- Monday, August 21: 11-1 win vs. Cardinals
- Tuesday, August 22: 6-3 win vs. Cardinals
- Wednesday, August 23: 6-4 loss vs. Cardinals
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Analysis
The Chicago Cubs have been red hot as of late. When looking at the month of August, the Chicago Cubs statistics have shown they have won 13 out of 20 games. The Cubs are doing damage with their bats, as in their last four wins, they have scored a total of 23 runs. The biggest key for the Cubs offense has been Cody Bellinger.
The slugger is hitting .321 on the season and has decked 20 home runs. He is tied with Patrick Wisdom for the team lead in home runs. Bellinger is getting some looks at for MLB MVP Odds but is no better than fifth on the current list.
Justin Steele is going to get the start for the Chicago Cubs. Steele has been dynamite this season on the mound. He is 14-3 on the season with a 2.80 earned run average. Steele has thrown 132 innings and struck out 127 batters. The last time Steele took a loss was on July 16th against the Boston Red Sox.
Pirates Finding Form
The Pittsburgh Pirates have won three out of their last five games. In those three recent wins, the Pirates are scoring eight runs per game. Pittsburgh, on the season, is scoring 4.2 runs per game, with 7.8 hits per game.
The Pirates are 26th in Major League Baseball in home runs. The top offensive threats for Pittsburgh this season have been Jack Suwinsky, with his 21 home runs, and Brian Reynolds, with 18. Reynolds also has a .269 batting average to lead the way.
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Pick and Prediction
Look for Justin Steele to pitch really well in this game. Steele is going to grab his 15th win of the season. He is in the running for National League Cy Young but will likely fall short against Zac Gallen or Spencer Strider.
He throws well, and the Cubs score off Pittsburgh pitching. Our final Cubs vs Pirates prediction for Thursday is the Cubs will win easily off the Pirates.
- Take the Cubs runline, as they win by two runs or more! Enjoy all the MLB games today!
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