In this article, we will formulate a Cubs vs Pirates prediction for this MLB game on Sunday, June 15, 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 (29-43, 10-24 Away) registered their first sweep of the season as they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in three games and then won the series over the Miami Marlins. Pittsburgh lost 2-1 on Saturday against the Cubs and are now 2-1 down in the series and hoping for a split with a win today. Mike Burrows pitched for 5.1 innings in a no-decision, allowing one run on five hits with eight strikeouts and no walks. Ryan Borucki took the loss.
This year, the Pirates average 3.19 runs per game (30th in the MLB) on a .227/.304/.339 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Pirates’ staff has a 3.72 ERA (12th) and 1.19 WHIP (5th). Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with a .226 batting average, eight home runs, and 39 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Pirates is Mitch Keller, who is 1-9 in 14 starts this season, with a 4.15 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 82.1 innings.
Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
The Chicago Cubs (43-28, 22-12 Home) lost back-to-back series to the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies. They will not lose third in a row after beating the Pirates twice in three games in the current series. The Cubs narrowly beat the Pirates 2-1 on Saturday. Matthew Boyd got the win after allowing one run on one hit with three strikeouts and one walk across 6.0 innings of work.
This season, the Cubs’ average 5.38 runs per game (2nd in the MLB) on a .255/.325/.438 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Cubs’ staff has a 3.60 ERA (9th) and 1.23 WHIP (14th). Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the Cubs with a .272 batting average, 18 home runs, and 57 RBI this season.
Colin Rea will take the mound for the Cubs on Sunday. The 34-year-old right-hander has a 4-2 record in ten starts this year with a 3.92 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 62.0 innings.
Total Runs Facts
- Seven of the Pirates’ last eight games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Each of the Cubs’ last four games as favorites against the Pirates have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Pirates’ last seven games against National League opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in four of the Cubs’ last five games as favorites against NL Central opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Cubs rank T2nd in the league for triples this season (15).
- The Cubs rank 2nd in the league for RBIs this season (374).
- The Pirates rank 30th in the league for slugging percentage this season (.339).
- The Pirates rank 29th in the league for runs scored this season (230).
Cubs vs Pirates Prediction
The Cubs won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, while this season, they lead 4-2. Although I am leaning toward Chicago in this one, I will avoid betting on the winner and will opt for the Over instead. I know that Pittsburgh is 26-43 Over/Under this season, but I don’t like the starters here, which is the main reason I am going with Over. Mitch Keller allowed 12 runs in his last three starts, while Colin Rea surrendered 17 runs in his previous four starts. Rea allowed two runs in 6.0 innings in an 8-3 win over the Pirates earlier this season. I don’t need 11 combined runs this time around, only eight. Go with Over.