Pirates vs Cubs Odds, Picks, and Probable Pitchers (Sep. 3)

• The Pirates visit the Cubs on Friday afternoon at Wrigley
• Chicago is a -135 home favorite in game two of the series
• Find the odds, preview, and prediction below

NL Central foes meet on Friday, with the Pittsburgh Pirates (48-85, 20-47 away ) visiting the Chicago Cubs (59-75, 33-32 home) on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field, with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 PM EST. Ahead of Thursday’s series opener, Chicago has won three straight against the Bucs and five of the last six.

Pittsburgh sends lefty Steven Brault to the hill, while the Cubbies counter with Alec Mills, who is coming off an absolute gem.

Pirates vs Cubs Odds

Odds as of September 2nd at DraftKings.

The Pirates have been atrocious against divisional opponents, going 17-43. The Cubs have only been slightly better though with a 24-32 record.

Probable Pitchers

Brault has missed most of the year after heading to the 60-day IL in early April with a lat injury. He finally made his season debut on August 4th, giving up just one run across four frames. He’s compiled a 4.57 ERA in 21.2 innings and has an 0-3 record. The lefty’s last outing was his roughest yet as the Cardinals touched him up for seven earned runs in only three innings of work.

However, he has pitched a lot better in day games in 2021, posting a 2.25 ERA in two appearances. His latest stretch dating back to last season is impressive, however:

Over his last 34.2 IP, Steven Brault has a 1.32 ERA. Lowest by a #Pirates lefty starter in a 30+ IP stretch since Francisco Liriano in 2015

— Jason Shetler (@Jason_Shetler) August 28, 2021

The Cubs are a very familiar opponent for Brault, but he’s really struggled against them, collecting a dismal 6.52 ERA in 16 games. Only seven were starts, though. But, Chicago blew up their roster at the trade deadline, which means the 29-year-old has faced just three hitters in their current lineup. With that being said, it could be a different story this time around for Brault.

Brault vs Mills

The Cubs’ pitching has been downright awful this season, but Mills has been reliable. His 4.32 ERA is the best among Chicago’s starters. The right-hander tossed an eight-inning shutout against the Chicago White Sox on August 28th, limiting a very good offense to just four hits. Opposing lineups are hitting .281 against his sinker, but Mills’ 53% groundball rate reflects how effective the pitch can be when he keeps it down in the zone. In August alone, the 29-year-old has been solid, compiling a 3.76 ERA.

https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/1431801793827287041

Mills has only pitched 3.1 innings against the Pirates in 2021, but he’s given up no runs. Their lineup is extremely familiar with him, but they’ve had little success, hitting .178. The Cubs starter has been poor in afternoon contests though with an ERA over five.

Batting Average vs Starting Pitchers

The Pirates’ season frankly isn’t getting any better, losing four of their last five. The White Sox just swept them in a two-game series and they have one of the worst road records in the MLB. Pittsburgh has only won two of their previous eight games away from PNC Park as well.

430 ft from Alford. pic.twitter.com/QpPlt0sK5R

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 2, 2021

In every single category you could imagine, the Bucs are in the bottom of the Majors. While there have been a few positives in their bullpen, the Pirates have also had two offensive standouts, with Bryan Reynolds and Colin Moran hitting just under .300. Reynolds absolutely rakes in day games, batting .328.

The Cubbies have a much different feel ever since the trade deadline as they head into an apparent rebuild. Ahead of Thursday’s series opener, Chicago is on a two-game winning streak and 5-5 in their last 10 games. Patrick Wisdom is profiling to be a franchise piece, clubbing 25 homers on the year.

THERE IS NO WAY PATRICK WISDOM DOES NOT WIN ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. pic.twitter.com/Zszx43fHGU

— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) August 28, 2021

The long ball has been one of Chicago’s primary sources of offense, sitting 9th in the league with 171 bombs. Unfortunately, the Cubs have struggled at the plate during home games, hitting .232.  They’ve also collected just two victories in their last six at Wrigley Field.

Pirates vs Cubs Prediction

I really like how Mills threw the ball last time out and I believe he’s going to be poised to put together another fine start. Although most of the Cubs’ hitters barely know what Brault brings to the table, they’re a safe bet here to pull out a win.

Pick: Chicago Cubs moneyline (-135)