25th Sept - Cubs vs Pirates

The Chicago Cubs are close to clinching a return to the MLB postseason. On Friday night, they open up a three-game series against the team they are likely to face in the NL Wildcard match-up.

Jon Lester takes the mound against the Pirates tonight, a team he has pitched well against through most of the season so far posting a 2-1 record and 1.64 ERA in three starts. He hasn’t been at his best since making the big move to Chicago this offseason, in fact, he’s in danger of posting a losing record in his first season with the Cubs.

There have been a few signs, since the last week of August, that Lester is starting to find some rhythm. He can be a formidable postseason pitcher, he wouldn’t be likely to start a Wildcard game, but his performance will be a key factor if the Cubs progress to a postseason series.

The Pirates rested a few players on their recent trip to Denver where they faced the Colorado Rockies. They still swept the Rockies in a four-game series and they’ve now won six in a row.

On the mound for Pittsburgh is their ace and likely Wildcard game starter in Gerrit Cole. He’s 6-1 with a 3.10 ERA in eight starts against the Cubs, he’s been pitching pretty well of late as well.

Three Reasons for Betting Tips

1. Cubs better on road?

Just seems like the Cubs might prefer a match-up away from home. They beat the Pirates in their last series in Pittsburgh and Wrigley Field just somehow plays out of the hands of Chicago in this clash.

2. Cole will make a statement

We like this to be a low-scoring match-up, because Lester will pitch well, but Gerrit Cole will be aiming to make a statement here and we think that the ace will be successful in doing that.

3. Rested Pirates’ hitters

Gregory Polanco and Aramis Ramirez will both be in the line-up tonight after missing some of action in Colorado during the week. We think this’ll help them come into the first game locked in and fresh, which could just give the Pirates an edge.