The Chicago Cubs’ inconsistency has made them a risky proposition SU but they have become one of the best bets for astute totals bettors. The UNDER has hit in 15 of the Cubbies’ past 20 games, however, it isn’t usually by a large margin with the reigning World Series champs and their opponents averaging a combined 7.9 runs per game in that span. Offense could be hard to come by once again when the Cubs host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.
- The Cubs are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games against right-handed starting pitchers.
- The total has gone UNDER in the Pirates' last 5 games with Ivan Nova as the starting pitcher.
- Jake Arrieta is 0-3 with a 7.81 ERA in his past 5 starts against the Pirates.
The Cubs will send Jake Arrieta to the bump in hopes he can replicate the performance from his most recent outing. Arrieta allowed just one hit in seven innings against the powerful bats of the Cincinnati Reds last Sunday. As odd as it may sound, this will be a rare start at Wrigley Field for Arrieta, who has only pitched at home five times this season and has not taken to the friendly confines since June 11.
The consistent Ivan Nova will get the start for the Pirates. The 30-year-old has not allowed more than four earned runs in any of his starts this season but needs to be pulled at the right time. Nova has a sub-2.50 ERA through the first six innings this season but that number jumps drastically to 9.69 through the seventh to ninth innings.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
43-43 Chicago battles the Pirates, currently with a 40-47 mark. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Chicago vs Pittsburgh injuries news.
This game puts the Chicago Cubs, most recently No. 12 in OddsShark MLB Power Rankings, up against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who rate a No. 14 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up Chicago Cubs No. 19 ranked offense (4.58 runs per game) against a Pittsburgh Pirates defense and pitching staff that sits at No. 13 at 4.57 runs allowed per game. The Chicago Cubs have been averaging 8.06 hits per game, less than the Pittsburgh Pirates have managed so far this season (8.15 hits on average).
Defensively, Pittsburgh features the No. 7-rated defense on the road, allowing 4.25 runs per game. Chicago, meanwhile, comes in at No. 14 at home, scoring 4.79 runs per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Pittsburgh looks to rebound from a loss to the Cubs, who beat them 6-1 on Friday behind a start from Eddie Butler at Wrigley Field.
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games
- Pittsburgh is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games on the road
- Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
- The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Chi Cubs's last 20 games
- Chi Cubs is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games at home
- Chi Cubs is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Next Betting Matchups
Pittsburgh at Chicago, Sunday, July 9
