The Chicago Cubs will look to pull off the three-game sweep with an afternoon win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Wednesday, September 17.
My top Cubs vs. Pirates predictions and MLB picks are calling for the North Siders to pull away from Pittsburgh early and hold on for a convincing victory.
Cubs vs Pirates prediction
Cubs vs Pirates best bet: Cubs first five innings -0.5 (-110)
The Chicago Cubs have been money in the first five innings market while covering the run line in 83 of their last 147 games (+11.80 Units / 7% ROI), and the Pittsburgh Pirates offense ranks last in baseball in wOBA while averaging just 2.93 runs per game in September.
While Cubs lefty Matthew Boyd has hit a late-season lull with a 5.97 ERA across his past five starts, this is a bounce-back spot, and the Pirates rank 28th in wOBA and 26th in ISO against southpaws for the campaign.
Additionally, Bucs righty Johan Oviedo has benefited from good luck on the hill while holding opposing hitters to a minuscule .230 BABIP. His 4.55 xFIP is also miles above his 2.81 ERA, and this will be his 10th start and 11th career appearance against the Cubbies, so the Chicago lineup has familiarity against him.
Chicago also ranks eighth in wOBA and sixth in ISO against righties for the campaign and is beginning to show signs of life at the dish again with a ninth-ranked overall wOBA in September.
Cubs vs Pirates same-game parlay (SGP)
The Pirates don't pack enough punch to keep pace with the Cubs, and Chicago will put runs on the board against Oviedo.
Still, I don't expect a high-scoring tilt because both clubs have trended to the Under.
Chicago has gone Under the number in 52 of its last 92 games (+13.55 Units / 13% ROI), while the Under has hit in 82 of Pittsburgh's 140 games (+25.10 Units / 16% ROI).
Cubs vs Pirates SGP
- Cubs F5 -0.5
- Cubs -1.5
- Under 8.0
Cubs vs Pirates odds
- Moneyline: Chicago -150 | Pittsburgh +125
- Run line: Chicago -1.5 (+110) | Pittsburgh +1.5 (-135)
- Over/Under: Over 8 (-105) | Under 8 (-115)
Cubs vs Pirates trend
The Chicago Cubs have covered the 1st five innings run line in 83 of their last 147 games (+11.80 Units / 7% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Pirates.
How to watch Cubs vs Pirates and game info
| Location | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Wednesday, September 17, 2025 |
| First pitch | 12:35 p.m. ET |
| TV | MARQ, SNP, MLBN |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Matthew Boyd (13-8, 3.05 ERA) |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Johan Oviedo (2-0, 2.81 ERA) |
Cubs vs Pirates latest injuries
Cubs vs Pirates weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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