In this NL Central matchup, the Pirates (57-71, 31-34 home) play host to the Cubs (67-60, 32-30 away) at PNC Park. Taking the mound for the Pirates is Mitch Keller, while the Cubs will go with Kyle Hendricks. Check out my pick for two of this Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs matchup.

CHICAGO CUBS VS PITTSBURGH PIRATES BETTING PICK

The Pick: Chicago Cubs -119

This game will be played at PNC Park at 7:05 ET on Friday, August 25th.

WHY BET THE CHICAGO CUBS:

  • The Cubs have put together a 4-1 record in their last five games as the favorite.
  • Over their last ten games as the favorite, the Pirates are just 4-6 (straight-up).
  • Over his last two starts, Kyle Hendricks has an ERA of just 2.96.

CHICAGO CUBS LOOK TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS ON THE ROAD

On an overall record of 67-60, the Cubs are 2nd in the NL Central. On the road, Chicago has put together a record of 32-30 while going 35-30 at home. Against teams with below .500 records, the club has gone 38-38. Overall, the Cubs have played in 40 series, going 21-14-5.

Kyle Hendricks is set to take the mound for the Cubs in his next start, having pitched at least six innings in each of his last two outings. The right-hander has a 5-6 record and 3.83 ERA this season, along with 64 strikeouts and a 1.14 WHIP. Opponents have managed a .279 wOBA against him, while he’s issued 17 walks so far in 2021.

Kyle Hendricks earned a quality start and a win in his last outing against the Royals, leading the Cubs to a 4-3 victory. In 6 1/3 innings, he gave up just one run and five hits.

So far this season, the Cubs’ has gone deep 154 times, placing them 13th in the league. Over Chicago’s previous five games, they are 11th in runs scored, with their season average of 5 runs per game putting them 5th in the league. The Cubs’ overall team batting average stands at .254 along with an OBP of .330.

Nico Hoerner has been one of the Chicago Cubs’ most productive hitters in 2023. His .278 batting average and 62 RBIs have been instrumental in the team’s success, while his nine home runs have provided a spark to the offense.

WILL THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME?

Looking to snap a two game losing streak, the Pirates are in 4th place in the NL Central. Pittsburgh’s overall record sits at 57-71 while going 26-37 on the road and 31-34 at home, respectively. So far, they have played in 40 series, and have gone 13-22-5.

Mitch Keller is set to take the mound for the Pirates, having gone six or more innings in his last two starts. So far in 2023, Keller has posted a 10-8 record with a 4.22 ERA and 173 strikeouts. His WHIP is 1.28 and opposing batters have a .310 WOBA against him. He has also issued 47 walks this season.

Mitch Keller’s most recent outing saw him earn a quality start and the win for his team, who ultimately triumphed 7-4 over the Twins. The right-hander allowed two runs and seven hits in six innings of work.

During their last ten games, Pittsburgh is the 20th ranked offense in terms of batting average. In these games, they have hit a combined .230 and are averaging 4.5 runs per game. Across the entire season, the Pirates are hitting .235 with an OBP of .314 while averaging 4.2 runs per contest. This figure puts them 22nd in the league.

Connor Joe has been a key contributor to the Pirates’ offense over their last five games, leading the team in hits and batting .517. This season, Joe is hitting .255 with 33 RBIs.