Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs Free MLB Pick & Prediction, 7–8–2017
Free MLB Pick by George Hampton a professional sports handicapper at King Sports Picks
Pittsburgh Pirates (40–47) at Chicago Cubs (43–43)
MLB: Saturday, July 8, 7:15 PM EST
Line: Chicago Cubs -180 / Pittsburgh Pirates +162, O/U 8
The Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs continue with the second game of a three-game set tonight at 7:15 PM. Chicago took Game 1, 6–1 behind the bat of Kris Bryant who stole the show by going 4 for 5 with a pair of home runs, a triple and four RBIs.
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates Ivan Nova (8–6) 3.24 ERA vs. Cubs Jake Arrieta (8–6) 4.33 ERA
Ivan Nova will get the nod for the Bucs tonight with hopes to get Pittsburgh back in the win column. The Pirates had won three straight ballgames before Friday night’s loss.
Nova has pitched well this season but he has not received run support from his offense. In his last four starts, Nova has allowed 15 runs but received 2 runs of support from the offense. In fact, Nova has not allowed more than 4 runs in any of his 17 starts.
The offense will look to Outfielder Gregory Polanco who is 12-for-28 during a seven-game hitting streak.
Nova beat the Cubs on June 17 in Pittsburgh, limiting them to three runs and six hits in seven innings.
The Cubs won the opener to climb back to .500 for the 20th time this season, but they have not won consecutive games since taking three straight from June 18–20. The Cubs were swinging the bats well last night and Kris Bryant proved why he was the 2016 NL MVP after going 4 for 5 with two long balls.
Arrieta turned in his best outing of the season this past Sunday at Cincinnati, holding the Reds to one hit over seven scoreless innings. The question I have is whether the veteran righty can do it again?
Jake Arrieta has alternated wins and losses this season which has put his consistency in question.
Both of these teams have played better baseball in season’s past. I don’t see the value in Chicago at the present time but Pittsburgh was starting to show signs of life before Friday’s loss. The Cubbies have won just four games their last 10 and Arrieta is not the dominant pitcher we have seen the past few years.
If Pittsburgh’s offense can give Nova some run support, I like their chances in this ball game. I see value with Pittsburgh +162 for the win on the road which is why I will take the Pirates at plus money in Saturday’s featured matchup.
Pirates vs Cubs FREE MLB Pick: Pirates +162
