Cubs vs. Pirates Prediction, Odds and Props: Skenes Gets Back on Track
The Chicago Cubs snapped their 10-game losing streak with a win over the Pittsburgh Pirates and look to salvage a series split on Thursday.
bet365 Sportsbook lists the Pirates as the moneyline favorites (-170), with an expected total of 7.5 runs.
Our Cubs vs. Pirates prediction, odds overview, and favorite player props can help savvy bettors get the key insights for this National League Central matchup.
Cubs vs. Pirates odds (May 28)
| Moneyline | Total (Over/Under) | Run Line |
| Cubs (+150) | Over 7.5 runs (-110) | Cubs, +1.5 runs (-155) |
| Pirates (-170) | Under 7.5 runs (-110) | Pirates, -1.5 runs (+125) |
Two streaks come to an end
The Cubs took the third game of the series, winning 10-4 to snap their 10-game losing skid and end the Pirates' three-game win streak.
Every team in the NL Central is over .500, and the Cubs (30-26) are tied with the St. Louis Cardinals for second place in the division. They're 4.5 games out of first place while the Pirates (29-27) sit in the division basement — 5.5 games out of the top spot.
This season, the Pirates are 15-14 at home, and the Cubs are 12-15 on the road.
Cubs vs. Pirates betting analysis
Cubs
- Runs – 7th
- Team ERA – 19th
Pirates
- Runs – 5th
- Team ERA – 8th
Pitching Matchup
Colin Rea (4-3, 4.83 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) takes the hill for the Cubs after giving up three runs on four hits in seven innings of a 3-0 loss to the Houston Astros in his latest outing. Chicago has lost Rea's last three starts.
Ace Paul Skenes (6-4, 3.00 ERA, 0.82 WHIP) goes for the Bucs. He gave up four runs on nine hits over five innings in his last start — a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Pittsburgh has lost the last two games Skenes has started.
Cubs turn the tables
After being outscored 14-2 in the first two games of this series, the Cubs turned the tables in the third game, scoring 10 runs. Pittsburgh native Ian Happ, who leads Chicago in home runs, snapped out of his slump with a long shot and five runs batted in..
Nico Hoerner (.256, 4 home runs, 32 RBIs) leads the club in RBIs and has three over the last four games.
Not one again for Bucs
During the Pirates' three-game win streak, they only gave up one run per contest before giving up 10 in the last one.
Brandon Lowe (.269, 14 home runs, 36 RBIs) leads the team in home runs and RBIs, and went yard with three RBIs in the last game.
Nick Gonzalez (.297, 0 home runs, 22 RBIs) leads the Bucs in batting average but is hitless in four of the last five games.
PlayersBest prediction: Pirates moneyline (-170)
Skenes is the reigning NL Cy Young winner, and while he was roughed up in the last two starts, he will get back on track in this game and lead the Pirates to a win.
Cubs vs. Pirates player prop picks
Here are some player prop bets we like at DraftKings Sportsbook:
- Paul Skenes to record win (+115) – The superstar pitcher will come through.
- Brandon Lowe (+370) or Oneil Cruz (+425) to hit a home run – They have combined for 25 home runs this season.
