Cubs vs. Pirates Prediction and Odds for Wednesday, April 13 (Back Hendricks and the Cubbies)

The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates face off in the second game of their two-game series on Wednesday at PNC Park. The Pirates are already exceeding my expectations after taking a game from the Cardinals to start the season 1-2. The Cubs, meanwhile, are 2-1 after taking two of three from the Milwaukee Brewers in their opening series. 

The Cubs currently have the third-best on-base percentage in the league at .374 and a very strong 1.80 ERA as a team. The Pirates, meanwhile, have the worst ERA in the MLB at 6.84 but the second-best batting average at .283. 

Here are the odds for this game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Cubs vs. Pirates Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

• Cubs: -1.5 (+127)
• Pirates: +1.5 (-155)

Moneyline:

• Cubs: -123
• Pirates: +113

Total:

• 8.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Cubs vs. Pirates Prediction and Pick

Kyle Hendricks is set to get the start for Chicago while Zach Thompson will handle duties on the hill for Pittsburgh. Thompson is an interesting choice for the Pirates as the righty has worked two games out of the bullpen so far this year. He has pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and a walk. This will be Thompson’s first start of the year after going 3-7 last year with a 3.24 ERA and 1.21 WHIP as a member of the Marlins. 

Hendricks was phenomenal in his first start of the year in a win over the Milwaukee Brewers. He pitched 5 ⅓ innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts and three free passes. Unfortunately, the Cubs bullpen blew his lead and Hendricks ended up with a no-decision. I think as far as starting pitchers, the Cubs have a leg up here. 

I also think the Cubs' offense is much better than the Pirates despite their poor batting average. Franky, I think the Pirates are easily among the worst teams in the MLB and I am not convinced by their early-season surge at the plate. 

Pick: Cubs -128 to win

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE