The Cubs have entered a serious slump after their blistering start to 2016 and are now 3-7 in their last ten games. The Pirates will try and take advantage of a wounded Cubbies team at home and will offer up Francisco Liriano (5-8, 5.34 ERA) to Chicago’s all-star Jake Arrieta (12-3, 2.33 ERA) in the first of a three-game set.
- The Cubs are 10-1 in their last 11 games against the Pirates.
- The Pirates are 1-6 in their last 7 games with Liriano as their starting pitcher.
- The Cubs are 25-5 in their last 30 games with Arrieta as their starting pitcher.
As the Cubs struggle, so too does Arrieta. He has been roughed up in two straight outings giving up a combined nine runs in 9.1 innings pitched. No need to fret, though. Those two starts both came on the road where he has a 2.88 ERA. At home, Arrieta owns a 1.65 ERA in eight starts. Against the Pirates this year, the all-star has started three games and won them all, recording an ERA of 0.86 – not bad.
Francisco Liriano has never had good control, but this year he can barely find home plate. He leads the MLB in walks and is not really making up for that in any other category. Although he draws a good matchup against a slumping offense at home, It seems unlikely the lefty will win this duel.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Those betting on the visitors in this one found the Chicago Cubs listed as favorites of -195 at most sportsbooks, including Sportsbook. Total bettors saw the number open in the area of 8, check for odds updates at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 5.4-3.8 victory for the Pirates. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Pittsburgh Pirates bring a 44-42 record to the battle against the 52-33 Cubs. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Pittsburgh vs Chicago injuries news.
The Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs odds would favor the Pirates if the betting lines were set according to our power ranks. Pittsburgh is rated No. 18 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Chicago is at No. 22.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to getting on base, the visiting Chicago Cubs rank No. 15 at 8.61 hits per game. That compares with the Pittsburgh Pirates No. 8 ranking in that category.
Pittsburgh owns the No. 18 defense, allowing 4.63 men per game to cross the plate. That contrasts with Chicago's No. 1-rated defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Cubs got to extra innings, but lost when they got there against Atlanta on Thursday; it was a 4-3 final at Wrigley Field in MLB wagering action.
Pittsburgh suffered a 5-1 loss against St. Louis on Thursday, as Tyler Glasnow wasn't able to lead his team to victory at Busch Stadium.
- Chi Cubs is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
- Chi Cubs is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
- Chi Cubs is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
- Chi Cubs is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
- Pittsburgh is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
- Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
- Pittsburgh is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago at Pittsburgh, Saturday, July 9th
