EASY EASY Money on this Over/Under Cubs vs Pirates 9/3
Read our expert prediction for the Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates game on September 3. Explore the latest odds, team analysis, and betting trends.
Game Summary
The Chicago Cubs are set to host the Pittsburgh Pirates at the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago on September 3. This matchup is crucial for both teams, with the Cubs currently sitting at a 71-67 record, while the Pirates are trailing behind at 64-73. The Cubs have shown some resilience lately, but they are coming off a recent loss against the Pirates, which adds an interesting dynamic to this game.
The Cubs have had a mixed bag of results lately, with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses in their last 5 games. They are currently fighting for a playoff spot in the National League and need every win they can muster. Their season has been characterized by a strong offense, averaging .240, and a solid pitching staff with a team ERA of 3.79, ranking them 7th in the league. Justin Steele is slated to start, boasting a 5-5 record and an ERA of 3.09.
On the other hand, the Pirates have struggled throughout the season, reflected in their 64-73 record. They are 22nd in hits (1092) and 22nd in runs scored (572), indicating a lack of offensive firepower. However, they do have a promising young pitcher in Paul Skenes, who has an outstanding ERA of 2.23 and a solid record of 8 wins against only 2 losses. His performance will be pivotal if the Pirates wish to upset the Cubs in this away game.
Historically, the Cubs have dominated the Pirates in recent matchups, but the Pirates have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with their young talent. This game promises to be an exciting encounter, pitting the Cubs’ strong batting lineup against the Pirates’ impressive pitching. The weather will be mostly sunny with a temperature of 73°F, offering perfect conditions for baseball at Wrigley Field.
Odds and Betting Lines
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Moneyline - Chicago Cubs | +112 |
| Moneyline - Pittsburgh Pirates | -132 |
| Over/Under | Not Available |
| Spread | Not Available |
Pitching Probables
| Pitcher | W-L | ERA | WHIP | IP | K | BB | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Skenes (PIT) | 8-2 | 2.23 | 0.95 | 109.0 | 136 | 26 | 10 |
| Justin Steele (CHC) | 5-5 | 3.09 | 1.34 | 90.0 | 88 | 28 | 12 |
Team Previews
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have had a rollercoaster season but find themselves in a competitive position as they look to secure a playoff berth. Their hitting has been inconsistent, but players like Ian Happ, who leads the team with 23 home runs and 79 RBIs, have provided much-needed power. The Cubs rank 13th in runs scored, with 626, but their batting average of .240 shows there's room for improvement.
Defensively, the Cubs have a reliable pitching staff, ranked 7th in the league with a 3.79 ERA. Justin Steele, with a solid ERA of 3.09, has been a crucial part of the rotation. However, the team has suffered from injuries, with Steele himself dealing with elbow issues and expected to be out until at least September 9. This could be a pivotal game for the Cubs as they try to bounce back from a recent defeat against the same Pirates team.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have endured a challenging season, sitting at 64-73. Their offense ranks near the bottom of the league, with a batting average of .236 and only 572 runs scored. However, the emergence of Bryan Reynolds, who has a .282 average and 77 RBIs, has been a silver lining. The Pirates' pitching, led by Paul Skenes, has been their strongest aspect, with Skenes posting an impressive 8-2 record and a 2.23 ERA.
Despite their struggles, the Pirates can be a dangerous team when their pitching is on point. They will need Skenes to deliver a strong performance against the Cubs to have a chance at victory. The Pirates are looking to build momentum off their recent win against the Cubs and will aim to exploit any weaknesses in Chicago's lineup.
Team Injuries
Chicago Cubs
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Steele | SP | Elbow | Expected to be out until at least Sep 9 |
| Ethan Roberts | RP | Ankle | Probable for Sep 3 |
Pittsburgh Pirates
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daulton Jefferies | RP | Elbow | Expected to be out until at least Sep 9 |
Betting Trends
- The Cubs are 3-2 in their last five games.
- Pirates have won two of their last three matchups against the Cubs.
- Over the last ten games, the Cubs have hit the Over in 6 games.
- The Pirates are 4-6 against right-handed pitchers in their last ten games.
- The Cubs are 5-5 in their last ten games against left-handed starters.
Recent Games
Chicago Cubs
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh | L 5-3 | Loss |
| Washington | W 14-1 | Win |
| Washington | W 5-3 | Win |
| Washington | W 7-6 | Win |
| Pittsburgh | L 14-10 | Loss |
Pittsburgh Pirates
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | W 5-3 | Win |
| Cleveland | L 6-1 | Loss |
| Cleveland | W 3-0 | Win |
| Cincinnati | W 4-3 | Win |
| Cincinnati | L 10-2 | Loss |
Team Rankings
| Team | Hitting | Starting Pitching | Relief Pitching | Fielding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 13th | 7th | 18th | 14th |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 22nd | 10th | 20th | 16th |
Significant Betting Stats
- The Cubs are 5-1 in their last six games against the Pirates.
- The Pirates are 2-5 in their last seven games as an underdog.
- Chicago averages 4.8 runs per game at home.
- In their last ten games, the Pirates have hit the Under 6 times.
- The Cubs have a .717 winning percentage against teams with losing records.
- Pittsburgh is 3-10 in their last 13 games overall.
- Chicago is 5-2 in their last seven games at Wrigley Field.
- Paul Skenes has a WHIP of 0.95 this season, indicating dominance.
- Justin Steele has struggled at home with a 6.75 ERA.
- The Over has hit in 7 of the last 10 meetings between these two teams.
Weather
The weather is expected to be mostly sunny with a temperature of 73°F, providing ideal conditions for a baseball game at Wrigley Field.
