Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction: Cubs to cut the gap in the series with Pirates

The NL Central division opponents, Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates face off in another series. This time at Wrigley Field. In the first game, the Cubs won 3-2. Will the Pirates celebrate victory in the second? Let's pick a few bets at once.

David Ross' team has been looking great lately. A win over Pittsburgh isn't that surprising, considering the Pirates have been going very poorly on the season. Much more impressive was the Cubs' previous showdown against Philadelphia. On the road, Chicago defeated the Phillies three times in a row: 15-2, 6-2, 4-3. Will the Cubs begin their climb up the National League standings, where they are only 13th so far?

Keegan Thompson, 7-4 and a 3.43 ERA in 12 starts this season, is Chicago's starting pitcher for Game 2 of the series with Pittsburgh.

Basically, the Pirates have not been performing particularly well this season, and they've been flopping lately. How else would you describe their 2-7 record? It's worth noting, though, that Pittsburgh's recent calendar has been far from simple – Miami, visiting Colorado and now the surging Cubs, who, by the way, are still behind of Derek Shelton's team. Pittsburgh is 40-57 and the Cubs are 39-57.

Bryse Wilson will pitch for Pittsburgh in the second game of the series at Wrigley Field, 1-5 and with a 6.52 ERA in 12 games in the current league.

The score in the season series is 8-6 in favor of the Pirates.

The Cubs are so far behind the Pirates in the season series by two wins. There are only five head-to-head games left, so it's time to cut the gap now. And David Ross's team seems to be up to that challenge. Chicago is on pace, while Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is a bit shaky. The choice of starting pitchers – the stable Keegan Thompson and the floundering Bryse Wilson – also speaks in favor of the Cubs.

Prediction: Cubs will win.

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