The Chicago Cubs are set to face off against the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game series at Wrigley Field. The Pirates are desperately trying to break a five-game losing streak, during which they've been outscored a staggering 49-14. Will they turn things around against their NL Central rivals?
Pirates' Woes Continue
The Pittsburgh Pirates have hit a rough patch, dipping to 20 games under .500 for the third time this season. Their struggles include a managerial change and a concerning streak of scoring four or fewer runs in 26 consecutive games. Their recent 12-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, a team with a smaller market and past challenges, highlights their current difficulties.
Pittsburgh's offense has been particularly weak, scoring an MLB-low 3.5 runs per game. They've lost seven of their last ten games and hold a 2-5 record against the Cubs this season. With a batting average of .232, 942 hits, and only 432 runs scored, the Pirates offense ranks near the bottom of MLB. Their slugging percentage (.346) and home run count (86) are also the worst in the league.
Pitching Matchups
Braxton Ashcraft is slated to start for the Pirates on Friday, followed by Mike Burrows on Saturday. The Cubs will counter with Colin Rea, who is looking for his 10th win of the season. Rea boasts a 9-5 record with a 4.09 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 116 2/3 innings pitched. His last outing saw him pitch six innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing only one earned run.
Betting Odds and Predictions
The Cubs enter the series as heavy favorites. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Cubs are -199 on the money line, while the Pirates are +164. The over/under for total runs scored is set at 9. SportsLine's projection model has simulated the game 10,000 times and offers MLB picks for the matchup.
Can the Pirates Turn the Tide?
The Pirates face an uphill battle as they try to salvage their season. They need a significant turnaround to finish above .500. Questions loom about the future of the team's leadership and how they will address key player replacements. This series against the Cubs could be a pivotal moment for the Pirates, potentially shaping the direction of the team for the remainder of the season.