Pirates vs Cubs MLB Betting + Handicapping Picks
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been the biggest surprise in Major League Baseball so far this season. It seems the Pirates are in the playoff race to stay this year. The Cubs have a solid home record, but they have been awful on the road.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs MLB Betting Preview
Starting Pitchers: Pittsburgh (Bedard) vs. Chicago (Germano)
Date/Time: July 30, 8:05 p.m. EST
MLB Gambling Odds from Bovada
Moneyline: Pittsburgh (-132) Boston (+122)
Runline: Cubs +124
Total: Off
Which NL Central team can get the week off to a positive start with a win in this night game at Wrigley Field?
It would be impossible to overstate the impact that Andrew McCutchen has had on this Pittsburgh Pirates team in 2012. McCutchen has always been looked at as a solid player, but he has taken it to a completely different level this year. He is hitting .368 with 22 homers and 66 RBI’s this season. Don’t be surprised if he wins the NL MVP award.
Neil Walker has become a good clutch hitter for the team, and Pedro Alvarez is starting to hit for power. Starling Marte is a highly touted prospect, and he hit a home run in his first at-bat of his career last week. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has the sixth best ERA in the majors this season.[dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Chicago took two of three from the Pirates earlier this week, and the Cubs also took two out of three games from the Cardinals this past weekend. The Cubs have been getting much better starting pitching of late, which has helped them stay in the game. Justin Germano will be making his first start with the team in this one.
Offensively, Anthony Rizzo has given the offense a solid boost. Rizzo is hitting .333 since being called up from the minors. The Cubs average just 3.69 runs per game, which is 29th best in the majors. This lineup has really struggled to come up with hits when runners are in scoring position.
Germano has never proven himself to be a reliable starter, and the Pirates have much more to play for in this one.
The Cubs have a .226 average against lefties, and Erik Bedard is a decent lefty.
Look for Pittsburgh to win here.
MLB Free Pick: Pirates ML
