MLB Game Preview - Cubs underdogs vs Pirates at Pittsburgh

Chicago CubsPittsburgh Pirates
May 21, 7:05 PM | GrassPNC Park

Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Odds

18-25TEAM RECORD26-18



The baseball wagering menu sees a clash between Pittsburgh and Chicago on Tuesday, with the host Pirates trying to win for themselves and reward bettors who back them on the moneyline.

For the Pirates, Wandy Rodriguez gets the ball, charged with keeping the Cubs hitters off the base paths. He'll face Matt Garza, 0-0 on the year.



View Chi Cubs vs Pittsburgh Odds and Stats.

Betting Line:
Those who planned on backing the visitors in this one found the Cubs listed as underdogs of +-140 at most sportsbooks, including Sportsbook. Total bettors saw the number open in the area of 7.5, check for updates at Sportsbook.

Power Rankings:
This game puts the Pirates, most recently No. 5 in the National League Odds Shark MLB Power Rankings, up against the Cubs, who rate a National League No. 6 in the latest survey.



How They Match Up:
Scoring stats point to some edges in this matchup. The game features Pittsburgh's National League No. 11-ranked scoring average of 4 runs per game, against a Cubs offense rated No. 10 and scoring 4 runs per game in the league. The Pirates have averaged 8.1 hits per game to date this season, less than the Cubs hitters have managed (8.4 per nine innings).

Pitching and defensive stats are important baseball handicapping factors and Pittsburgh has the National League's No. 4-ranked defense. In the other dugout, the Cubs own the National League's No. 7 mark in runs allowed.

The Cubs were a 4-3 loser in their most recent outing at home against the Mets. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got New York at +135 on the moneyline, while the total score (7) was good news for UNDER bettors. The Cubs were saddled with a loss last time out in Travis Wood's start, as they lost 4-3 against New York on Sunday at Wrigley Field.

The Pirates were a 1-0 Sportsbook in their most recent outing at home against the Astros. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got Pittsburgh at -173 on the moneyline, while the total score (1) was good news for UNDER bettors. Pittsburgh threw a shutout at Houston in their last outing, using a shutdown performance by Jeff Locke to defeat Houston 1-0 on Sunday.


Chicago Cubs Trends:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Pittsburgh are 6-4
After playing NY Mets are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4

Pittsburgh Pirates Trends:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Chi Cubs are 4-6
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a win are 6-4


A few Cubs at Pirates trends to consider:
Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs' last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs' last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Chi Cubs' last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


Next up:
Chi Cubs at Pittsburgh, Wednesday, May 22

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