Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction: Expect Cody Bellinger, Cubs to Dominate
The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs will duel things out from Chicago tonight. Matt McCuen is here to explain why Cody Bellinger and the Cubs will dominate in this game. Read on to get his Pirates vs. Cubs pick.
Matt McCuen - September 19, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT
5 minThe Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs will duel things out from the Windy City to renew one of the oldest rivalries in baseball.
Pirates vs. Cubs Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: September 19, 2023
- Game Time: 7:40 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction
The Pirates lead the series 1306-1268 all-time.
Chicago has dominated the head-to-head this year with a 9-1 record against the Pirates.
Pittsburgh started the season strong but came back to life once the summer hit.
The Pirates begin play with a 70-80 record as they attempt to play spoiler the rest of the way.
Outfielder Bryan Reynolds has been the star for the Pirates this season, leading the team in batting average (.272) and runs batted in (77).
Third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes has swung the bat well this season, hitting.270. Hayes is a young player that the team is high on.
Center fielder Jack Suwinski has been the best power source for the Pirates with 25 home runs.
Pittsburgh has not announced a starter for tonight, as they are expected to go with a bullpen game.
Chicago enters play ice cold as of late, losing five consecutive games.
The recent cold streak has pushed Chicago down in the standings as they begin play tied for the final wildcard spot in the NL.
This is a significant series for the Cubs if they want to make the playoffs.
Cody Bellinger has been the best bat in the Cubs lineup this season. Bellinger leads the team in batting average (.311), home runs (25), and runs batted in (91).
Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs in hits with 167.
Dansby Swanson has been an excellent addition to the Cubs, as he will likely win another gold glove this year while blasting 20 home runs.
Chicago will send right-hander Javier Assad. Assad is 3-3 with an ERA of 3.10.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Pick
This is a must-win game for the Cubs at home tonight.
Chicago has dominated the Pirates this season, as I mentioned earlier (9-1). That will continue tonight.
Assad has thrown the ball well this season.
Assad has great numbers against the Pirates, with a batting average of just .200 in 30 at-bats.
Pick: Chicago Cubs ML -149 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
MLB Odds
