Overview
The Chicago Cubs are in Pittsburgh where they start a three game series with the Pirates. The Cubs have owned the Pirates of late winning 10 of the last 11 meetings including the last 7 straight played in Pittsburgh.
Head to Head Trends
Cubs are 10-1 in the last 11 meetings.
Cubs are 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Pirates (+150)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are 3rd in the National League Central 8.5 games back of the 1st place Chicago Cubs. The Pirates hit a rough patch in June where they lost 10 of 11 games but it looks like they got things turned around and are playing some decent ball again winning 10 of their last 13 games.
The Pirates have one of the better offenses in the National League averaging 4.63 runs per game but their pitching staff has struggled allowing 4.65 runs per game although they have been much better of late allowing just 3.30 runs per game over their last 10 games.
Starting for the Pirates today is lefty Francisco Liriano who is 5-8 with a 5.34 ERA on the season. Liriano has been pretty aweful so far this season largely due to a lack of control allowing 55 walks in just 87 innings of work.
Pittsburgh Pirates Trends
Pirates are 7-1 in their last 8 overall.
Pirates are 42-18 in their last 60 Friday games.
Chicago Cubs (-160)
The Chicago Cubs are 1st in the National League Central 8 games clear of the 2nd place St Louis Cardinals. The Cubs have been one of the best teams in league for most of the season but it looks like some of their luck is starting to run out as they have lost 13 of their last 18 games.
On the hill fore the Cubs in this one is Jake Arrieta who is 12-3 with a 2.33 ERA on the season. Arrieta seemed almost unbeatable for the first couple months of the season but he’s been less then impressive over his last 3 starts with a 5.87 ERA.
I’m not sure whats wrong with Arrieta but he has lost over 1 mph on his velocity which usually means he’s either injured, his arm is tired or he has issues with his mechanics neither which is good news for the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs Trends
Cubs are 1-7 in their last 8 overall.
Cubs are 39-12 in Arrietas last 51 starts.
Conclusion
I’m going with the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Cubs in this one. I don’t think the Pirates are all that good a team but they have been playing well of late and I think this might be a good spot to take a fairly big home underdog versus a Cubs team that is currently struggling.
Free Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates +150
