Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction & Picks - MLB
USA - MLB
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If you want evidence of how unpredictable MLB is, look no further than Friday's opening matchup between the Cubs and Pirates.
Coming into the game, the Cubs were on a four-game losing streak, whilst the Pirates had WON four in a row. However, the form book was completely flipped on its head as Chicago produced one of their best displays of the season to trounce their NL Central rivals 12-2.
Pittsburgh will have Paul Skenes (10-11, 3.83 ERA) starting for Saturday's second game, whilst Chicago will look to secure the series with Clay Holmes (6-7, 2.83 ERA) on the mound. If the Cubs can secure another victory, it will move them nine games ahead of the Pirates, and more importantly, it will keep them in the driving seat for a National League wild card berth.
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Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Form
Table
| Teams | Pts | P | W | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6
|
0.554 | 148 | 82 | 66 |
|
14
|
0.5 | 148 | 74 | 74 |
Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates Latest Matches
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
Sep 11, 2026 - MLB
Sep 9, 2026 - MLB
Sep 8, 2026 - MLB
Sep 7, 2026 - MLB
Sep 6, 2026 - MLB
Sep 5, 2026 - MLB
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Sep 11, 2026 - MLB
Sep 3, 2026 - MLB
Sep 2, 2026 - MLB
Sep 1, 2026 - MLB
Aug 31, 2026 - MLB
Aug 30, 2026 - MLB
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
Sep 9, 2026 - MLB
Sep 8, 2026 - MLB
Sep 7, 2026 - MLB
Sep 6, 2026 - MLB
Sep 5, 2026 - MLB
Sep 4, 2026 - MLB
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
Sep 11, 2026 - MLB
Sep 10, 2026 - MLB
Sep 9, 2026 - MLB
Sep 8, 2026 - MLB
Sep 6, 2026 - MLB
Sep 5, 2026 - MLB
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
Sep 6, 2026 - MLB
Sep 5, 2026 - MLB
Sep 4, 2026 - MLB
Sep 3, 2026 - MLB
Sep 2, 2026 - MLB
Sep 1, 2026 - MLB
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
Sep 11, 2026 - MLB
Sep 10, 2026 - MLB
Sep 9, 2026 - MLB
Sep 8, 2026 - MLB
Aug 30, 2026 - MLB
Aug 29, 2026 - MLB
Chicago Cubs against Pittsburgh Pirates : Head to Head (H2H)
83 %
17 %
Sep 11, 2026 - MLB
Jul 26, 2026 - MLB
Jul 25, 2026 - MLB
Jul 24, 2026 - MLB
May 28, 2026 - MLB
May 27, 2026 - MLB
Chicago Cubs - Pittsburgh Pirates Key Points
- There have been over 8.5 runs in 6 of the last 7 Cubs-Pirates matchups
- Chicago have scored 39 runs in their last 5 home games
- Pittsburgh have conceded 30 runs in their last 3 games against Chicago
- There have been over 11 runs in 6 of the Cubs last 7 games
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Our Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction
If the series opener is anything to go by, we look set for plenty of fireworks on Saturday afternoon.
The Cubs were outstanding in Game One, especially on offense. And whilst the Pirates failed to fire with the bat on Friday, their recent form suggests that they are more than capable of scoring big in Game Two.
There is some value in the generous odds of 2.50 on the game featuring at least 11 runs, but if you're looking for an ultra-safe bet, just take the 1.75 over on the 8.5 run line.
Our prediction for Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates is: Over 8.5 runs.
FanDuel - New User Bet & Get

Week 2 of the College Football season continues on Saturday, and with that, FanDuel is currently offering an exclusive promotion for all NEW customers.
To claim this offer, you MUST first create a new FanDuel account and make a minimum deposit of $5. After doing so, you will then need to place a $1 qualifying bet on the “1+ Point to Be Scored” market in the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, September 12th.
Once at least 1 point is scored in this game, your account will be credited with $100 in bonus bets. Keep in mind that this offer will end on Saturday, September 12th at 7:30 PM ET, so if you have never signed up for FanDuel, be sure to do it today for the chance at bonus bets!
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.