On the whole it comes as no surprise that the Cubs lead the National League Central. Since the arrival of Joe Maddon as manager the Chicago label has changed. The Cubs are no longer lovable losers. Indeed, they are now a respected power with baseball betting odds today. Commencing with a recent hot streak is Chicago looking like a top shelf World Series contender. Balanced against that is the mediocrity of the Pirates. Pittsburgh is wallowing under the .500 mark. Inconsistent hitting and poor pitching tell their sad tale. Manager Clint Hurdle takes a lot of blame but lacks players.
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
| Date and Time: | Thursday, July 4, 2019, 4 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Cubs Vs. Pirates TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | -1½ (+120) | 9 (-115) | -134 |  |
| Pirates | +1½ (-140) | 9 (-105) | +124 | |
| ||||
Cubs and Pirates Current Form
Now Pittsburgh has dropped to 39-42. The Pirates are in fourth place in the National League Central. Only 31 of their games have gone under the total. Pittsburgh ranks 18th for run production and 25th for staff earned run average. By reason of a 45-38 record does Chicago lead the NL Central. The Cubs rank 10th for runs scored and fifth for ERA. Javier Baez continues to power Chicago with 20 home runs and 20 doubles. Additionally, Baez has 55 runs and 56 RBI. Wilson Contreras is hitting .291 with 17 home runs for the Cubs.
Cubs Probable Starter and Bullpen
Left hander Jose Quintana (5-7, 1.37 WHIP, 4.21 ERA) should start for the Cubs. Overall Chicago ranks seventh best for bullpen ERA. Of major concern is that the Cubs have lost eight of Quintana’s last 10 starts.
Pirates Probable Starter and Bullpen
Right hander Jordan Lyles (5-4, 1.22 WHIP, 3.71 ERA) is the likely Pirate starter. Late on Pittsburgh has lost his last four starts. MLB bullpen rankings have Pittsburgh at 27th.
Chicago and Pittsburgh Betting Trends
Late on the Cubs have struggled with baseball odds today value on the road. Chicago has gotten the cash in only six of their last 20 away tilts. Only two of their last seven road games have gone over the total. By contrast the Pirates have shown good recent value at home. Pittsburgh has won six of their last seven games at PNC Park. Only one of their last five home games have gone under the total.
Cubs vs. Pirates Head to Head vs. Spread
In this situation the Cubs have had the recent edge against Pittsburgh. Chicago has won 11 of the last 19 meetings in this head to head series. Nine of the last 11 between the Cubs and Pirates have gone under the online wagering total. Further, the Cubs have won seven of their last 11 against Pittsburgh at PNC Park. Five of the last six between these teams at Pittsburgh have gone under the total.
Matchup to Watch
As was previously noted the Cubs have the head to head matchup advantage. Pittsburgh has not proven to be consistent enough for baseball odds today. Compared to most teams they simply can’t be trusted against a superior level team like Chicago.
Cubs vs. Pirates Baseball Betting Picks
On this occasion it should be the Cubs providing July 4 fireworks!
Baseball Odds Today Betting Online Pick: Chicago Cubs
Baseball Odds Today Betting Online Score Prediction: Cubs 5, Pirates 3
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