I know this is not a popular pick, but I think there is value in backing Pittsburgh tonight as a home dog. First of all, huge kudos to Arrieta and a young but scrappy Cubs offense for having a great regular season. Maddon has worked his magic yet again to get a young team to *believe* they can win and win now. He was a great hire as manager. Having said that, regular season is over, and playoffs are a different animal.
Now the Cubs curse is in play, and it is very real. Lack of experience for the Cubs will start to show up starting tonight in what will be an electric atmosphere. Again, Arrieta could well win the Cy Young this year, but I would not be surprised to see him not have as firm control of his pitches tonight as he enjoyed the past two months. If Pirate bats can stay patient and not swing at pitches in the dirt, I believe they can get runners on base.
Hurdle chose a lineup that emphasizes speed and defense, and I think that is a good choice. I think Pirates will be able to manufacture a few runs against Arrieta tonight, and it should be enough to make it a *very* tight game (if not tie game) for the bullpen where they enjoy a sizable edge.
Cole has had past success versus the Cubs, much like Arrieta has had against the Pirates. Not saying Cole is equal to Arrieta, but he does have some post season experience plus a lot of home town energy behind him. I expect him to give up 1 or 2 runs, but hopefully the Pirates will have his back tonight.
Pirates full game +125 2 units Pirates 2nd half +110 3 units Pirates team total o2.5 -120 1 unit Pirates to score first +150 1/2 unit
I know this is not a popular pick, but I think there is value in backing Pittsburgh tonight as a home dog. First of all, huge kudos to Arrieta and a young but scrappy Cubs offense for having a great regular season. Maddon has worked his magic yet again to get a young team to *believe* they can win and win now. He was a great hire as manager. Having said that, regular season is over, and playoffs are a different animal.
Now the Cubs curse is in play, and it is very real. Lack of experience for the Cubs will start to show up starting tonight in what will be an electric atmosphere. Again, Arrieta could well win the Cy Young this year, but I would not be surprised to see him not have as firm control of his pitches tonight as he enjoyed the past two months. If Pirate bats can stay patient and not swing at pitches in the dirt, I believe they can get runners on base.
Hurdle chose a lineup that emphasizes speed and defense, and I think that is a good choice. I think Pirates will be able to manufacture a few runs against Arrieta tonight, and it should be enough to make it a *very* tight game (if not tie game) for the bullpen where they enjoy a sizable edge.
Cole has had past success versus the Cubs, much like Arrieta has had against the Pirates. Not saying Cole is equal to Arrieta, but he does have some post season experience plus a lot of home town energy behind him. I expect him to give up 1 or 2 runs, but hopefully the Pirates will have his back tonight.
Pirates full game +125 2 units Pirates 2nd half +110 3 units Pirates team total o2.5 -120 1 unit Pirates to score first +150 1/2 unit
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