Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction MLB Picks 8/28/24

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Chicago

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Pittsburgh

-Recent betting trends in games played between Chicago and Pittsburgh

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Cubs and Pirates. 

Cubs Were Efficient on Tuesday 

The Cubs were actually outhit on Tuesday by three, but the Cubs scored nine runs on the way to the victory. Dansby Swanson had a strong game, hitting a home run and driving in three RBIs. Justin Steele went five innings and gave up two runs.  The Cubs are averaging 4.73 runs, while their pitching is giving up 4.16 runs per game.

The offense is ranked 15th in the league, while the pitching is ranked 10th. Ian Happ has hit 23 home runs and driven in 72 RBIs so far this season. Getting the start for the Cubs will be Kyle Hendricks, who sits with a 3-10 record and an ERA of 6.33. In his last start against the Miami Marlins, he went 4.2 innings giving up seven hits and three runs. 

Pirates Look to Bounce Back 

The Pirates scored five runs and that wasn’t enough as the pitching really let them down. Jared Jones went four innings, giving up five hits and five runs.  The Pirates are averaging 4.16 runs, while their pitching is giving up 4.45 runs per game.

The offense is ranked 23rd in the league, while the pitching is ranked 18th. Bryan Reynolds has hit 20 home runs and driven in 72 RBis so far this season. Getting the start for the Pirates will be Paul Skenes, and he has been dominant this year, sitting with an 8-2 record and an ERA of 2.16. In his last start against the Cincinnati Reds, he went six innings, giving up two hits and zero runs. 

Why the Pirates Will Beat the Cubs

• The Pirates have won each of their last 10 games as favorites against National League opponents following a loss.
• The Cubs have lost each of their last four-day games against NL Central opponents following a road win.
• The Pirates have covered the run line in each of their last five day games at PNC Park following a home loss.
• The Cubs have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four-day games against NL Central opponents following a road win.

Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction

Paul Skenes has been dominant this year, and it’s going to be much of the same here. In his last start, he gave up zero runs and two hits in six innings, and it’s going to be much of the same here. The Cubs are averaging 4.73 runs per game, but they are going to really struggle to get the offense going here. Hendricks sits with an ERA of 6.33 and the Pirates are going to tee off on him here. Back the Pirates on the run line.