Pirates vs Cubs: Predictions, Odds, and Live Streaming for the Friday Showdown

Pirates vs Cubs: A Friday Afternoon Baseball Battle

The Chicago Cubs welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to Wrigley Field this Friday for the start of a highly anticipated three-game series. Both teams are looking to build momentum as the 2026 MLB season progresses. The Pirates currently stand at 7-5, having recently faced the Padres, while the Cubs are 6-6 and eager to capitalize on their home-field advantage.

Pitching Matchup

Chicago will send Shota Imanaga (0-1, 4.50 ERA) to the mound. Imanaga has a history of success against the Pirates, having allowed only one earned run in 26 innings pitched against them. Pittsburgh will counter with Carmen Mlodzinski (0-0, 4.00 ERA). This pitching duel promises to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game.

Betting Odds & Lines

As of the latest updates, the Cubs are favored on the money line at -143 (bet $143 to win $100), while the Pirates are at +120. The over/under is set at 6.5 runs. Here’s a breakdown of the key betting lines:

Money Line: Cubs -143, Pirates +120
Over/Under: 6.5 runs
Run Line: Cubs -1.5 (+149)

Expert Predictions & Model Insights

Before placing any bets, it’s crucial to consider the insights from proven models. SportsLine’s computer model, which simulates each MLB game 10,000 times, has a strong track record of success. Last season, it was a profitable 35-29 on top-rated MLB money-line picks and excelled at predicting home run props, generating nearly 30 units of profit.

The model’s simulations for Pirates vs Cubs indicate a strong likelihood of the Over hitting 6.5 combined runs. The Pirates have exceeded this total in four of their last two games, and three of the Cubs’ recent games have also gone over. Notably, the total has gone Over in five of the Cubs’ last six Friday games.

The model projects significant offensive output from key players. It anticipates more than 1.8 total bases for Pirates players Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Ryan O`Hearn. For the Cubs, Alex Bregman and Michael Busch are projected to exceed 1.7 total bases. The model ultimately projects a combined 8.7 runs, with the Over hitting approximately 71% of the time.

How to Watch & Stream

Catch the action live from Wrigley Field! First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET. You can stream the game on Fubo (try for free!).

Where to Bet

New to sports betting? Check out the latest offers from DraftKings and FanDuel.

Get the full Pirates vs. Cubs money-line pick and detailed analysis at SportsLine!