Cubs Looking to Stay Hot Against Struggling Pirates
NL Central Division rivals continue their three-game series Tuesday night, as the Chicago Cubs again host the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cubs took the series opener, 9-0, and this game should present a good betting online opportunity.
Pittsburgh has been better than expected this season, though still just 15-20 (6-10 away from home).
The Cubs improved to 14-20, winning their third game in a row. Chicago arguably should be better than its record, but aren’t a contender.
MLB lines at BetUS Sportsbook have the Chicago Cubs as the moneyline betting favorites at -140 in this game..
Check the latest MLB picks, stats, injury reports, and MLB odds for Pirates vs Cubs. There are plenty of MLB predictions.
Pirates Need Some Offense
The Pittsburgh Pirates were no-hit in a win over Cincinnati Sunday, then shut out in the Monday series opener. Manager Derek Shelton said, “Yesterday we just saw a guy (Wade Miley) with electric stuff. Today we saw a veteran pitcher who works fast and knows how to execute pitches.”
There are some good hitters on the Pirates, as Ke’Bryan Hayes leads the team with a .293 batting average. Dan Vogelbach has belted a six home runs, pacing the Bucs.
Jordan Brubaker will be on the mound Tuesday night, looking to turn things around. Brubaker is 0-3 with a 5.34 ERA this season. He hasn’t lasted long in many of his starts.
Contreras Carrying Cubs Lineup
Before the first inning was over Monday night, Willson Contreras had a double and a grand slam homer, highlighting the Cubs’ eight-run frame. Contreras also leads the team with a .283 batting average.
Chicago has only hit 26 home runs so far this season, the lack of power keeping the Cubs from being consistent at the plate. The Cubs have outscored the Pirates by 20 runs overall this season, and a lot of that damage has come against the Pirates.
Keegan Thompson, Tuesday’s starter, comes into this game with a record of 2-0 and a 1.67 ERA, mainly out of the bullpen.
Pirates vs Cubs Head-to-Head
The Pirates and Cubs have already met seven times this season. Pittsburgh has gone 4-3 in those games. Looking at recent results can help when making MLB picks, but this series has actually been pretty even this season.
Pittsburgh and Chicago have met over 2500 times throughout history, and the Pirates have won right around 51% of all of the matchups.
Pirates vs Cubs Game Information
- Game: Pirates (15-20) vs Cubs (14-20)
- Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
- Day/Time: Tuesday, May 17, 7:40 p.m. ET
- Pirates vs Cubs Live stream: MLB.tv
Pirates vs Cubs Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Pittsburgh Pirates
J. Brubaker -R |
+1½ -175 | +125 | 7½ -110o | 3½ Evo
3½ -130u |
| Chicago Cubs
K. Thompson -R |
-1½ +155 | -140 | 7½ -110u | 3½ -120o
3½ -110u |
Pirates vs Cubs Prediction
There are a number of great MLB betting opportunities Tuesday night, but this game at Wrigley Field is one on which to focus. Even though the Pirates have the better record, Chicago is the better team here..
Pittsburgh’s struggled at the plate over the past two games, and that trend should continue Tuesday night. Keegan Thompson is taken to shut the Pirates down in this one, and the Cubs will find sufficient offense to win.
This has the potential to get out of hand as the Cubs roll. Take the Chicago Cubs -1½ runs over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
