Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Odds, Analysis, MLB Betting Pick

Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates are playing a divisional series on Thursday. Pittsburgh is on a three-game losing streak. Chicago is the National League Central-leading team.

Chicago Cubs are the favorite against Pittsburgh Pirates at sportsbooks. The total is 8.5 runs.

Chicago Cubs are the favorite against Pittsburgh Pirates at the moment.

Chicago Cubs beat Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 at Wrigley Field Wednesday to earn a split of their two-game set. Jon Lester has struggled since the MLB All-Star break and is winless in his last five starts. He is 2-1 against Pittsburgh this season and has a better record on the road at 7-2 with a 3.48 ERA in 11 starts, so he should be able to handle this test.

Pittsburgh Pirates are 5-6 in the season series against Chicago Cubs. Ivan Nova will start for Pittsburgh against Jon Lester. The Pirates need to win to have any chance of getting one of the two wild-card spots.

The Chicago Cubs are trying to win the NL Central for the third season in a row. Milwaukee and the St. Louis Cardinals are playing a three-game series starting Friday.

Chicago Cubs are 4-2 in their past 6 games on the road. Pittsburgh Pirates are 1-4 in its past 5 games.