Following a lackluster first half of the season, Chicago has asserted command in the National League Central. Pitching remains a betting on MLB games advantage that the Cubs boast over most other teams. By contrast, the Pirates have been in free fall. Pittsburgh’s pitching is among the worst in all of major league baseball. Along the same lines, the Bucs have not been able to consistently produce runs. Cause by this lack of ability is a team that is gushing red ink. Few gamblers want anything to do with Pittsburgh. Of course, the Cubs are a destination team for gamblers.
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
| Date and Time: | Sunday, August 18, 2019, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Cubs vs. Pirates TV Coverage | ESPN |
| Cubs vs. Pirates MLB Betting at SBG: | Check Back Later |
Cubs vs. Pirates Current Form and Overview
Pittsburgh has a Betting on MLB games record of 50-69 with only 46 under. Overall the Pirates rank 18th for run production and 26th for home runs. Pittsburgh has lost eight of their last 10 games. And only three of their last 10 went over the total. The counter is the Cubs record of 64-55 with only 54 games over the total. Chicago has won six of their last 10 matchups with only three of those games going over. As a result, the Cubs have taken over the lead of the National League Central. Chicago ranks 13th for runs scored.
Cubs Probable Starter and Bullpen
Left-hander Jose Quintana (10-7, 1.28 WHIP, 4.11 ERA, 124 K, 135.2 IP) is the Cubs probable starter. Late on Chicago has won seven of his last eight offshore betting starts. MLB bullpen metrics have the Cubs ranked eighth. Pedro Strop (2-4, 10 SV, 1.15 WHIP, 4.85 ERA, 6 BLSV) has been erratic. It follows that Craig Kimbrel (0-2, 9 SV, 1.66 WHIP, 5.68 ERA, 17 K, 12.2 IP) has also been a point of frustration. Namely, Steve Cishek (3-5, 7 SV, 1.17 WHIP, 3.58 ERA, 46 K, 50.1 IP) has been more impressive.
Pirates Probable Starter and Bullpen
Right-hander Mitch Keller (1-1, 2.00 WHIP, 7.94 ERA, 19 K, 17 IP) is the Pirates probable starter. Of great concern is that Pittsburgh has lost three of his four starts. Pittsburgh’s 20th ranked bullpen has been a big liability.
Cubs and Pirates Betting Trends
The Cubs are:
5-10 in their last 15 away games
2-5-1 under the total in their last eight road tilts
8-4 in their last 12 matchups with the Pirates
5-2 over the total in their last seven meetings with Pittsburgh
The Pirates are:
4-13 in their last 17 home games
6-1-1 over the total at home in their last eight games at PNC Park
5-4 in their last nine home games with the Cubs
3-5 under the total in their last eight home tilts with Chicago
Cubs vs. Pirates Betting on MLB Games Picks
In this situation Kris Bryant (86 R, 31 2B, 23 HR, 58 RBI, .292 AVG, .925 OPS)
is a major Betting on MLB games asset for the Cubs. Javier Baez (82 R, 32 2B, 28 HR, 81 RBI, .288 AVG, .871 OPS) adds to Chicago’s potential.
Cubs vs. Pirates Betting on MLB Games Pick: Chicago Cubs
Cubs vs. Pirates Betting on MLB Games Score Prediction: Cubs 5, Pirates 3
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