Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction, Picks and Preview – August 4, 2015

With San Francisco’s heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Braves on Monday, the streaking Chicago Cubs (57-47) have now grabbed sole possession of the second wild-card spot in the National League. The Cubs will look to fortify their grip on that coveted postseason spot when they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 2 of their three-game series later tonight.

Who will grab the edge in this pivotal matchup? Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this divisional clash and while you’re at it, you can check out our previews of New York vs. Boston and St. Louis vs. Cincinnati.
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Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview

Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

When: Tuesday, August 4, 7:00 PM ET

Line: Chicago Cubs (-125) at Pittsburgh Pirates (+115); total: 7.0 – view all MLB lines

Betting on the Chicago Cubs

A frustrating rainout on Monday prevented the Cubs from extending their winning streak to a season-high six games. They will look to get the job done later tonight when they face the Pirates in the second game of their three-game set. Starting for the Cubs this evening is right-hander Jake Arrieta (11-6, 2.62 ERA).

[sc:MLB240banner ]He was solid in his last start, allowing just two runs on five hits in six innings of work in Chicago’s 5-2 win against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs have now won six of their last eight games with Arrieta as their starting pitcher. He has a 1.53 ERA during that stretch with 58 K’s over 58.2 innings. The 29-year-old has struck out 147 batters in 140.2 innings so far this year.

He will fancy his chances of extending that excellent form later tonight as he has fared extremely well at PNC Park in his career. The Cubs are 2-0 in Arrieta’s two starts at Pittsburgh’s home field. He was simply sensational in his last outing against the Bucs at PNC Park (April 20), surrendering just one run on three hits in seven innings of action.

Expected to lead the Cubs offense tonight against the Bucs is the sizzling Anthony Rizzo. This season, he is hitting 15-of-37 (.405) with one homer and five RBIs against the Pirates. Rizzo is 1-of-3 (.333) lifetime against Happ with one homer and two RBIs.

The Cubs are 7-1 in Arrieta’s last eight road starts.

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Betting on the Pittsburgh Pirates

Pitching for the Pirates in this crucial clash is left-hander J.A. Happ (4-6, 4.64 ERA). The Pirates acquired Happ from the Seattle Mariners before the trade deadline in exchange for Class AAA right-hander Adrian Sampson. He will start in place of A.J. Burnett who is currently on the disabled list with a strained flexor tendon.

In 20 starts with the Mariners, Happ went 4-6 with a 4.64 ERA. He was solid at the beginning of the season, posting a 3.31 ERA across his first 11 starts. He has struggled lately, however, recording an 8.47 ERA and a 1.82 WHIP over his last five outings. Happ is 1-2 with a 5.57 ERA in four starts against the Cubs, but he hasn’t faced them in three years.

Given Happ’s recent pitching woes, the onus is on the Pittsburgh hitters to provide some crucial run support. Expected to lead the Bucs offense this evening is the red-hot Andrew McCutchen. He is 6-for-24 in his last seven games with two homers and six RBIs. McCutchen is 7-of-17 (.412) in his career against Arrieta with a pair of doubles and one RBI.

The Pirates are 8-2 in their last 10 home games.

Writer’s Prediction

Chicago (-125) wins, 5-3.
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