Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction 6-13-23 MLB Picks

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs meet Tuesday in MLB action from Wrigley Field. The Pirates are fresh off a weekend series versus the Mets. Pittsburgh managed two wins in three games during that set. As for Chicago, they played the Giants over the weekend and won two of three as well. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.

Pittsburgh Pirates 

The Pirates took a 14-7 win over the Mets on Friday, then lost 5-1 in game two. In the Sunday rubber match, Pittsburgh eked out a 2-1 win to take the series. Starter Mitch Keller gave up one earned on two hits and two walks in 7.0 innings in that one. 

For the starter job Tuesday the Pirates will go with Luis Ortiz. In six games (five starts) this year Ortiz is 1-2 with a 4.23 ERA and 16 Ks in 27.2 innings. Ortiz is 1-4 with a 4.33 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts). 

Chicago Cubs 

Over on the Cubs’ side, they beat the Giants 3-2 Friday and 4-0 Saturday but lost the finale 13-3. On Sunday, Chicago starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski went 3.0 innings with five earned on four hits and a walk. 

Jameson Taillon will make the start for the Cubs on Tuesday. Across his 10 starts this year Taillon is 1-4 with a 7.02 ERA and 40 Ks in 42.1 innings. Taillon is 52-39 with a 4.00 ERA in 153 career starts. 

The Pirates are 4-0 in their last four after an off day and 7-0 in their last seven versus the NL Central. Pittsburgh is 6-1 in their last seven in game one of a series. 

Meanwhile, the Cubs are 11-1 in the last 12 after an off day and 21-8 in their last 29 in game one of a series. Chicago is 2-5 in their last seven overall. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m leaning toward the Pirates here but I’m probably staying away. Ortiz gave up 10 hits and two walks in 5.0 innings during his last outing, but he kept the damage minimal with just two earned runs. As for Taillon, he’s given up four earned in two of his last three outings (one earned in the other) for nine earned runs over his last 15.2 innings. Both teams could have some opportunities on offense early in this opener, but I like Pittsburgh a little better win-wise.