Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs Prediction 6/14/25 MLB Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Pirates vs Cubs prediction for this MLB game on Saturday, June 14, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates (29-42, 10-23 Away) recorded their first sweep of the season as they beat the Philadelphia Phillies in three games and then defeated the Miami Marlins. After losing the opening game of the current series against the Cubs, the Pirates responded with a 2-1 extra innings victory on Friday. Paul Skenes pitched for 5.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing no runs on four hits with five strikeouts and two walks. Dennis Santana was credited with the win. 

This year, the Pirates average 3.23 runs per game (30th in the MLB) on a .227/.305/.340 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Pirates’ staff has a 3.74 ERA (12th) and 1.19 WHIP (5th). Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with a .229 batting average, eight home runs, and 39 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Pirates is Mike Burrows, who is 1-1 in four starts this season, with a 5.00 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 18.0 innings.

Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

The Chicago Cubs (42-28, 21-12 Home) lost back-to-back series to the Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals. They haven’t suffered three series defeats in a row this season, and opened the current one against the Pirates with a 3-2 win, but fell short in Game 2, 2-1 in extra innings. Dansby Swanson drove in the lone run for Chicago, while Cade Horton pitched for 5.2 innings in a no-decision, allowing no runs on three hits with four strikeouts and one walk. Drew Pomeranz took the loss. 

This season, the Cubs’ average 5.43 runs per game (2nd in the MLB) on a .256/.327/.439 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Cubs’ staff has a 3.63 ERA (9th) and 1.23 WHIP (15th). Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the Cubs with a .271 batting average, 18 home runs, and 57 RBI this season.

Matthew Boyd will take the mound for the Cubs on Saturday. The 34-year-old left-hander has a 5-3 record in 13 starts this year with a 2.89 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 74.2 innings.

Why the Cubs will cover

• The Cubs have won each of their last nine games as favorites following a loss.
• The Pirates have lost each of their last eight Saturday day games at Wrigley Field.
• The Cubs have covered the run line in eight of their last nine games against National League opponents following a loss.
• The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in five of their last six games against NL Central opponents following a road win.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Pirates’ last four road games against NL Central opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Five of the Cubs’ last six home games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Pirates’ last six games against National League opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Cubs’ last eight home games against NL Central opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Cubs rank 2nd in the league for doubles this season (128).
• The Cubs rank 2nd in the league for triples this season (15).
• The Pirates rank 29th in the league for runs scored this season (229).
• The Pirates rank 29th in the league for home runs this season (49).

Pirates vs Cubs Prediction

The Cubs won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including four of the last six. This season, Chicago leads 3-2 in H2H meetings, and I am backing the Cubs to add another one here. Matthew Boyd has been stellar this season, and even though he allowed two runs in a no-decision last time he faced the Pirates, I am backing him to get a W this time around. Boyd registered three consecutive quality starts and allowed only three runs in the process. Mike Burrows, on the other hand, allowed multiple runs in three of his four starts this year. Go with Chicago to win and cover. 

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Cubs -1.5