Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs Prediction 8-26-23 MLB Picks

The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates clash Saturday in game 3 of an MLB series at PNC Park. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

The Cubs look for a win after winning 12 of their last 20 games. The Cubs are currently holding onto the second wild card spot. The Cubs pitching staff is 15th in ERA (4.17), 17th in WHIP (1.28) and 6th in quality starts (57). The Cubs' offense is 5th in runs per game (5.02), 12th in batting average (.254) and 14th in homers (155). Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs with 138 hits and 62 RBI, while Cody Bellinger and Ian Happ have combined for 225 hits and 128 RBI. Javier Assad gets the ball, and he is 2-2 with a 3.13 ERA and 53 strikeouts this season. This will be Assad’s second career game against the Pirates.

Chicago Cubs Team Facts

• The Cubs have won each of their last seven road games following a road loss.
• The Cubs have failed to cover the run line each of their last nine night games against teams that held a losing record.
• The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Cubs' last nine road games against National League opponents.

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pirates look for a win after splitting their last 10 games. The Pirates have the third-worst record in the NL at 58-71. The Pirates pitching staff is 21st in ERA (4.52), 22nd in WHIP (1.39) and 15th in quality starts (45). The Pirates' offense is 24th in runs per game (4.19), 27th in batting average (.235) and 26th in homers (126). Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with 120 hits and 62 RBI, while Ke'Bryan Hayes and Andrew McCutchen have combined for 190 hits and 85 RBI. Colin Selby gets the ball, and he is 1-0 with a 7.27 ERA and 13 strikeouts this season. This will be Selby’s first career game against the Cubs.

Pittsburgh Pirates Team Facts

• The Pirates have lost 12 of their last 13 Saturday games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
• The Pirates have covered the run line in each of their last eight Saturday night games against the Cubs.
• The Pirates have led after 7 innings in each of their last five Saturday night games against the Cubs at PNC Park.
• The Pirates have led after 3 innings in each of their last five Saturday night games against the Cubs at PNC Park.
• The Pirates have led after 5 innings in each of their last five Saturday night games against the Cubs at PNC Park.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Pittsburgh Pirates ranks 27th in the league for hits this season (1006).
• The Pittsburgh Pirates ranks 4th in the league for walks this season (456).
• The Chicago Cubs ranks T5th in the league for runs scored this season (642).
• The Chicago Cubs ranks T5th in the league for RBI's this season (615).

Randy’s Pick

The Cubs are chasing down a playoff spot and need to take advantage of these games to close the distance. Javier Assad has been solid with his 3.13 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. The Pirates continue to have issues offensively, and Colin Selby has been a mess through 8.2 innings with his 7.27 ERA and 1.96 WHIP. There are no excuses for the Cubs in this spot. Give me the Cubs and the RL for max eating value.