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Pittsburgh (52-71) at Chi. Cubs (68-53)
- When: Aug 16 2025, 2:20 PM
- Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Where to watch: Fox Sports 1
Pirates vs. Cubs – Game Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Chi. Cubs -233
Spread: Chi. Cubs -1.5 (-115)
Total: 9.0
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pirates snapped a five-game skid on Friday with a 3-2 win at Wrigley, thanks to Jack Suwinski’s clutch ninth-inning homer. Suwinski, who’s been ice-cold most of the year, delivered one of his biggest swings of the season, showing signs that better at-bats might be on the horizon.
Rookie Mike Burrows (1-4, 4.66 ERA) gets the nod on Saturday. While his season numbers are rough, he’s had one of his best career starts against these same Cubs. Back on June 14, Burrows struck out a career-high eight while giving up just one run in 5 1/3 innings. The Pirates’ young arms have kept them competitive in this series, but they’ll need more than pitching if they want to steal another game from a Cubs squad favored heavily on the moneyline.
Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
Despite being -233 favorites with the total set at 9.0, the Cubs came undone Friday with costly mistakes on the basepaths. Pete Crow-Armstrong went 3-for-3 at the plate but was thrown out twice trying to stretch or steal extra bases, part of a night filled with aggressive, but ill-timed decisions.
The Cubs turn to lefty Shota Imanaga (8-5, 3.19 ERA), who has owned the Pirates to date. In three career starts against Pittsburgh, Imanaga is 2-0 with zero runs allowed across 19 innings. He’s struck out 17 while giving up just 10 hits, showcasing his ability to neutralize Pittsburgh’s bats. His lone outing against them this year was a six-inning gem in a 9-0 win on April 29.
Chicago’s main challenge isn’t their pitching, but finishing games cleanly. They’ve lost three straight series and will need sharper execution to get back on track.
MLB Betting Outlook & Prediction
The Pirates have shown fight, but history suggests Imanaga has their number. Chicago’s heavy favorite tag makes sense, especially if their bats wake up early. Expect another low-scoring contest with the Cubs controlling the late innings.
Score Prediction: Cubs 4, Pirates 2
Pick: Chi. Cubs -1.5 (-115)
Total: Under 9.0 (-111)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
