The Pittsburgh Pirates (28-40) host the Chicago Cubs (26-43) in an early Thursday afternoon battle. Chicago is looking to split the series with a win in this contest. The Pirates won the first two games, but the Cubs pulled out a win in Wednesday night's matchup. This victory snapped Chicago's three-game losing streak. Justin Steele (2-5, 4.27 ERA) gets the start for Chicago, while Jose Quintana (1-4, 3.66 ERA) is on the hill for Pittsburgh in this battle of lefties.
First pitch is set for 12:35 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists both teams at -110 (risk $110 to win $100) on the money line in the latest Cubs vs. Pirates odds. The over-under for total runs is set at 8.5. Before making any Pirates vs. Cubs picks, you need to see the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times and it is off to a strong start to the 2022 season. It's on a 56-47 roll on top-rated MLB money-line picks through 11 weeks. Anybody who has followed it has seen profitable returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Cubs vs. Pirates, and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several MLB odds and betting lines for Pirates vs. Cubs:
- Cubs vs. Pirates moneyline: Chicago -110, Pittsburgh -110
- Cubs vs. Pirates run line: Chicago -1.5 (+140)
- Cubs vs. Pirates over-under: 8.5 runs
- Cubs vs. Pirates tickets: See tickets at StubHub
- CHC: Over is 8-1 in Cubs' last nine games as favorites
- PIT: Pirates are 5-1 in their last six during Game 4 of a series
Why you should back the Pirates
Outfielder Bryan Reynolds is a switch-hitter with excellent bat control. Reynolds runs well on the bases and has the speed to cover ground in the outfield. The 2021 All-Star also has the versatility to play all three outfield positions. Reynolds is tied for first on the team in home runs (11) and RBIs (22) while batting .259.
First baseman Daniel Vogelbach displays great power and run-producing qualities. Vogelbach has good pitch recognition skills and can draw his fair share of walks. The 2019 All-Star is also tied for first on the team in RBIs (22) with eight home runs. He's logged 2-plus hits and RBIs in the first two games of the series.
Why you should back the Cubs
Center fielder Ian Happ has power potential and a solid awareness of the strike zone. Happ owns superb hands and will hit for average. The 27-year-old is leading the team in batting average (.291) and hits (66) along with 34 RBIs. On June 20, he went 2-for-3 with a double and one run was driven in.
Shortstop Nico Hoerner knows how to consistently make contact and get on base. Hoerner has a great judgment of the strike zone with the ability to hit for a solid average. The 25-year-old owns great instincts on the defensive end and can make quick reads. Hoerner is hitting .272 along with three dingers and 18 RBIs.
How to make Pirates vs. Cubs picks
SportsLine's model is leaning over on the total, projecting 8.9 combined runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the model's MLB picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Cubs vs. Pirates? And which side has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its MLB picks, and find out.
