The Pirates and Cubs begin a three-game series on Friday, April 10. Both teams had off Thursday for travel.
Chicago is a -156 moneyline favorite, while Pittsburgh is +129 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Pirates vs. Cubs game.
Pirates vs. Cubs prediction, preview
The Cubs lost Kyle Tucker in free agency, but they brought in Alex Bregman to fill some of the void. Around him are some excellent young players in Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner. It’s an intriguing team that is seeking another playoff appearance after winning 92 games last year.
The start hasn’t been all that great, however. Chicago is 6-6 with Hoerner being the only reliable bat through the first four series. On the bright side, the Cubs are winners of two straight games and head home to face the Pirates over the weekend.
Pittsburgh won five straight, defeating the Reds twice before sweeping the Orioles. The Pirates ran into the Padres, a much more challenging squad, and lost two of three. Paul Skenes only pitches once every five days—he can’t save the team on his own.
That’s the second benefit for Chicago this series. Skenes isn’t expected to pitch in any of the three games. Carmen Mlodzinski is starting for the Pirates in game one, while the Cubs give Shota Imanaga the ball. Neither starter is pitching well to begin the season, but both have a good history on the mound.
Mlodzinski has primarily been a reliever but has kept his ERA below 4.00 in each of his first three seasons. Imanaga, now in his third year, has held a sub-4.00 ERA in his first two seasons.
Pirates vs. Cubs Pick, Best Bet
Both teams had Thursday off for travel, and now gear up for a three-game set in Chicago. Home-field advantage will certainly help in this one, especially with the pitching edge, too.
Cubs are a projected playoff team, while the Pirates are unexpectedly competing to start the season. I’ll take Chicago to cover the -1.5 run line.
