Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 9/16/25, 2:50 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 10/2/25 at 6:30 PM in MLB Picks

On Sunday, the Cubs had won their game against the Rays, scoring four runs. On Monday, in their new series at PNC Park against the Pirates, the Cubs won again, scoring four runs, without allowing a single to the Pirates, who were dominated by Jameson Taillon. The veteran Cubs starting pitcher earned his 10th win of the season, pitching six scoreless innings with just two hits.

Busch hit his 28th home run of the year in the third inning, and Crow-Armstrong hit his 29th home run of the season. Meanwhile, Swanson had a game in which he did it all; the Cubs shortstop went 2-for-4, hit an RBI double that landed off the wall, displayed solid defense by blocking numerous ground balls without committing an error, and also stole bases.

But the Cubs' party could be spoiled when they face this season's likely Cy Young Award winner and last season's Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes, on Tuesday. He will be handling the starting pitching, and his mere presence has the Pirates as betting favorites with -130 odds at the bookmakers. Pittsburgh has won four of Skenes' last five starts, the same stretch since August 18 when he allowed just three ERs in 30 innings of work.