Earlier this month, the Chicago Cubs commandingly swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in their first series this season, 3-0. Now, the Cubs will look to do the same thing—as the host team—when they open up another three-game set with their NL Central rivals. Can Chicago continue its dominance? Or will the Bucs answer back? Read on further for an in-depth look at this colossal encounter.
If you’re craving for some NBA Playoff action as well, check out our preview of Game 6 between the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat. The Raps own a 3-2 lead in that series.
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
When: Friday, May 13, 2016, 2:20 PM ET
Line: Pittsburgh Pirates (+135) vs. Chicago Cubs (-150) – view all MLB lines
TV Broadcast(s): WGN, RTPT
Betting on the Pittsburgh Pirates (18-15)
Speaking of which, Francisco Liriano (3-1, 3.60 ERA), who’s set to go on the mound this afternoon, has also relocated his dominant self. The veteran pitcher had a solid outing in his last start on Friday, during which he limited the Cardinals to two runs and struck out 10 batters across seven innings. And prior to that game, Liriano was actually even better as he allowed just one run through 6 2/3 innings against the Reds on April 30.
On offense, meanwhile, star center fielder Andrew McCutchen is finally heating up. He’s 9-of-25 with three extra-base hits in the past six games. McCutchen, who is a career .312 hitter opposite the Cubs, will also be looking to extend his hitting streak to seven games.
Pittsburgh is 7-3 SU in its last 10 road games. The Pirates are also priced at +2,000 to win the World Series this year.
Betting on the Chicago Cubs (25-8)
Chicago, surprisingly, is looking to avoid its third-straight loss. The Cubs dropped both games of a doubleheader to the Padres on Wednesday, which marks their first back-to-back losses this season. But they still hold the best record in the majors, and lead their division by seven games.
Fortunately, the Cubs should be able to return to their winning ways this afternoon especially with Jason Hammel toeing the rubber. He is 4-0 along with a 1.85 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across six starts this season. That stretch includes a pair of shutout-performances opposite Cincinnati.
It’s worth noting, though, that Hammel could be in for a tough challenge later. He’s had a good share of forgettable moments against the Bucs. Hammel is only 6-5 with a 4.00 ERA through 13 career games (12 starts) in this matchup.
In the case he does end up struggling, the Cubs, who are averaging a majors-best 5.94 runs per game, will really need to support him with some timely runs at the plate. Hence, look to the pair of Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist to get the party started offensively.
Rizzo is only 4-of-23 lifetime against Pittsburgh’s starter Francisco Liriano, but he’s reached base in 24 straight games. Rizzo also boasts team-highs of 10 homers and 29 RBIs this season.
Zobrist, meanwhile, is arguably holding the hottest bat in the majors right now. He is batting .545 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in the last seven games.
Chicago is 7-3 SU in its past 10 games at Wrigley Field. The Cubs are also priced at +400 to win the World Series this year.
Writer’s Prediction
Chicago (-150) draws first blood, 5-1.
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