Yesterday’s Results for Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs

Sean's EARLY MLB AFTERNOON GRAND SLAM!

Analysis: My selection is on Pittsburgh over Chicago at 2:20 pm et on Friday. This situation sets up nicely to back the underdog Pirates at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon. The Cubs return home off back-to-back wins over the Rays in St. Petersburg. Meanwhile, the Pirates dropped two of three games at home against the Padres including an 8-2 thrashing in the series finale on Wednesday. I don't see any major advantage for Chicago apart from its home field edge on Friday and I think that's being overly weighted in this price. The Pirates will look to get their offense going against Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga. He's not off to a great start this season and the Buccos have held their own against lefties, ranking seventh in the majors in weighted on base average so far this season. The Cubs will face Pittsburgh starter Carmen Mlodzinksi, who is off to a similar start to Imanaga. Chicago ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of wOBA against right-handed pitching this season. The bullpens are virtually a wash so far but the Pirates do bring better current form in that regard. Chicago's relief corps has logged a 5.56 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with one save converted and two blown over the last week. I can understand why bettors might be down on the Buccos after that disappointing series at home against the Padres but I don't think it's time to jump ship. Take Pittsburgh (8*).