PNC Park will be all lit up under the lights Saturday night for one of FOX’s regional broadcasts when the Pittsburgh Pirates attempt to save some face against a Cubs team that’s flat out owned them this season.
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ODDS ANALYSIS
While the Cubs have fallen upon some hard times of late And absorbed some humbling defeats, they still own one of the best records in the National League and at this point are a shoe-in to qualify for the playoffs. Only the Rangers and Giants have logged more wins than Joe Maddon’s squad, but even though that’s the case, Chicago still possesses shorter odds to win the World Series at +350. While they’ve dropped $116 when on the road, they still sit seven games over .500 as a visitor.
The Buccos needed to turn things around in a big way in the middle of June, or else the season could have gotten away from them. Thankfully for Clint Hurdle’s squad, the team went out and took series from the Dodgers, A’s and possibly Cardinals if they win one over the next two days to surpass them in the NL Central standings. Surprisingly, the Pirates haven’t protected their house like they have in the past in winning just 22 of 41 overall games played. They need to do a better job of protecting their house moving forward.
PROBABLE PITCHERS
After tossing 7+ inning quality starts in two straight, I have absolutely no idea what the heck happened to Jon Lester his last time out in New York. Especially against a Mets team that’s thumped righties more than righties so far this season. Regardless, Lester’s quality start streak was halted at seven straight after getting bludgeoned for 8 ER and 3 HR over just 1.1 innings. Last time he made a quick exit like that, he returned to the bump and fired 6.1 innings of 1 ER ball at the Phillies. Chicago’s won six of his nine road starts where he owns a 3.04 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.
Jonathon Niese has been anything but nice to the Buccos bullpen of late. The lefty has not been able to go deep into games whatsoever, and with Pittsburgh’s long relief spotty at best, it’s put Hurdle in some tough situations. Niese has pitched through the sixth inning only once in his last five starts. If that turns out to be the case in this one as well, he’ll likely be taking his seventh loss of the season when it’s said and done. He’s also dealing with a knee injury that could flare up, so keep an eye on is effectiveness and pitch count to see when to strike on the live betting odds.
LIVE BETTING
Jason Heyward hasn’t exactly lit things up for Cubs fans to think he was worth all the money upper management threw at him in the offseason. That said, he’s still come up with some big hits here and there and played solid defense overall.
This match-up with Niese could be one he takes advantage of with him batting .290 against him in 31 career at-bats with a pair of homers, 8 RBI and four total extra base hits. J-Hey is certainly one you should target for prop bets in this one.
QUICK PICK
Lester’s thrown at the Pirates three times this season. He gave up 7+ hits in two starts and only two in the other. Go figure, he won the two when he gave up some hits and lost the one he was nearly unhittable in. Pittsburgh has been playing some inspired ball of late, and after staring back at Arrieta in the opener, you have to think Starling Marte and company will welcome this match-up with open arms. Look for the Buccos to battle and even the series with the bullpen doing a ton of heavy lifting.
MLB Odds: Pirates 5, Cubs 4
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2016, at 7:15 p.m. ET at PNC Park. The matchup will be televised regionally on FOX.
