Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction: Do Marcus Stroman, Cubs Have an Edge Over Johan Oviedo?

The Pittsburgh Pirates host the Chicago Cubs tonight. Do Marcus Stroman and the Cubs have an edge over Johan Oviedo? Josh Gayle answers.

Josh Gayle - June 20, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT

5 min

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction: Do Marcus Stroman, Cubs Have an Edge Over Johan Oviedo?

I'm keeping it simple here with my best bet for the Pirates vs. Cubs game.

Pirates vs. Cubs Start Time and Where to Watch

Date: June 20, 2023
Time: 7:05 pm ET
Where to Watch: MLB.TV

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Pick

1u - Cubs First 5 Moneyline -135 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick

We’re going with Moneyline so we have the chance for a push opportunity if the teams are tied after five innings. This bet is really simple, and I just like the bats and the pitcher more.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction

These two pitchers and offenses faced off five days ago, and the Chicago Cubs led 6-2 after five innings. Marcus Stroman is a great pitcher who should continue to do well. In 78 plate appearances against him by these Pittsburgh Pirates bats, they only have six RBIs against him throughout their careers.

On the mound for Pittsburgh is Johan Oviedo who is not on the levels of Stroman. Cubs bats are 19-52 against him, which is good for a wild .365 batting average. Oviedo should allow some runs against this Cubs team, who just made an 8-0 statement yesterday.

Pittsburgh only hits .235 against righties and gets an elite arm in Stroman. Oviedo struggles against these Chicago bats. We shouldn’t have to worry about the bullpens; we even have the door open for a push. Let's roll!

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