Cubs vs Pirates: Game Preview and Betting Insights

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As the MLB season progresses, baseball fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates. These two teams, both fighting for their position in the National League, will face off on April 29 at the picturesque PNC Park in Pittsburgh. With the Cubs currently at 17 wins and 12 losses and the Pirates at 11 wins and 18 losses, this game is crucial for both sides for boosting their standings.

Game Details:

  • Date: April 29, 2025
  • Time: 6:40 PM EST
  • Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Streaming: MARQ, SNP

In terms of starting pitchers, the Cubs will send out Shota Imanaga, while the Pirates will counter with Andrew Heaney. Imanaga enters the game with a season record of 2-1 and a 3.18 ERA, but struggled in his last outing against the Dodgers. Heaney, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 1.72 ERA, having pitched a stellar game against the Angels where he allowed no runs and secured 9 strikeouts.

Recent Performance:

The Cubs arrive in Pittsburgh after a tough weekend series against the Philadelphia Phillies, where they managed to win only one game out of three. The Pirates, meanwhile, are back at home after a road trip where they faced mixed results against the Angels and Dodgers. This context sets the stage for an exciting encounter as both teams seek to break their recent trends.

Betting Odds and Trends:

The current odds favor the Cubs with a moneyline at -148 and the Pirates sitting at +125. The spread is set at Cubs -1.5 with a total of 8.0 runs. Here are some key betting insights:

  • The Cubs have won four of their last five road games against divisional opponents.
  • The Under is 4-1 in the Cubs' last five games against NL Central teams.
  • The Pirates have seen Andrew McCutchen hit safely in seven of his last eight games, making him a player to watch.

With the stakes high, both teams will be looking to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Cubs have a formidable lineup spearheaded by their slugger, who leads in home runs and RBIs, while the Pirates will look to McCutchen as a key player contributing significantly to their offensive efforts.

Expert Picks:

According to betting predictions, the recommendation is to play the Cubs on the Moneyline while considering the Pirates at +1.5 for the spread. Additionally, the total might exceed the set number of 8.0 runs, considering both teams have shown the ability to score.

As the game approaches, fans and bettors alike will be keen to see how this matchup unfolds. Will the Cubs continue their road dominance, or will the Pirates find a way to capitalize on their home advantage? Either way, this game promises to deliver excitement and competitive spirit as teams vie for essential victories.

For those interested in additional insights, expert analyses, and live updates, staying tuned to sports news will provide the most accurate predictions as the game day approaches.

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* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.