Even though the Cubs have struggled once again this year, they keep sending an exciting pitcher to the mound every fifth day in the person of Jeff Samardzija. The Shark is just 2-5 on the season, but he has an ERA of 2.54. He gets virtually no run support, but tonight he faces a Pirates lineup that has struggled recently. Pittsburgh will get to see more of its prized prospect, Gregory Polanco, on Thursday night. We like The Shark and Chicago to take home the victory against the Pirates.
Tonight is the final game of a four-game set between these two NL Central rivals. The Cubs are looking for a split in the series after dropping the first and third games. Both of these teams are under .500 this year, with the Cubs well out of the race in the Central division standings. The Shark will need to cool the bat of Andrew McCutchen to win this game, which could be close to impossible.
Pittsburgh has not had the success it hoped for this season after a playoff appearance last year. Now, the Pirates would like to keep moving in the right direction with three wins in four games against the Cubs. Edinson Volquez takes the hill for the Pirates with his 3-5 record and 4.27 ERA. Against Chicago, Volquez has a record of 5-0 with an ERA of 3.60 in nine career games.
We move our MLB bets for the Cubs and the Pirates to BetOnline.ag on Thursday night in Pennsylvania. The Cubs are the road underdogs, but we like their chances with their ace on the hill. This is why we will bet 15 percent of our bankroll on Chicago and the OVER seven total runs scored at -115 later tonight as the Cubs offense comes alive.
