Gerrit Cole will take to the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates when they start a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs Monday. Cole has dominated the Cubs in his career, as the pitcher has posted a 7-1 record with a 2.88 ERA in nine career starts against Chicago.
The Cubbies will counter with Jason Hammel, who has been lights out this season. Hammel is 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA and has only allowed two runs in his four starts. However, Hammel has struggled at PNC Park, with a 5.14 ERA in six appearances in Pittsburgh.
Andrew McCutchen, who has been held hitless in his past 12 at bats, has teed off against Hammel in his career. McCutchen has a career .300/.323/.567 slashline with two home runs and four RBIs vs the righty.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to pick the Pittsburgh Pirates in this matchup found them as -113 favorites on the MLB money line at Sportsbook. Betting the over under instead? It was 7 at its open earlier today and hovering near that number at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 5.0-3.8 victory for the Cubs. 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
Pittsburgh (15-10) will face the 17-6 Cubs in this tilt. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Pittsburgh vs Chicago injuries news.
According to MLB Power Rankings here, it's the No. 10-ranked Pittsburgh Pirates and the No. 1-rated Chicago Cubs in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
On offense, it's a battle between the Pittsburgh Pirates and its No. 5-rated batting order, averaging 5.32 runs per nine innings, against the No. 1 line up of the Chicago Cubs at 6.04 runs per outing.
Chicago brings the No. 2-rated defense to this matchup, facing the Pirates's No. 20-ranked defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Chicago lost a tight one on Sunday, seeing the game get away from them in extra innings and falling by a 4-3 score against Atlanta at Wrigley Field.
Pittsburgh lost a tight one on Sunday, seeing the game get away from them in extra innings and falling by a 6-5 score against Cincinnati at PNC Park.
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago at Pittsburgh, Tuesday, May 3rd