The Chicago Cubs, currently holding an 85-64 record, head into tonight’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a recent win under their belt. Managed by Craig Counsell, the Cubs are second in the NL Central division and have shown a mixed performance over their last 10 games with a 5-5 record. They will be playing at PNC Park, facing the Pirates in outdoor conditions described as ‘Broken Clouds’ with a light breeze.
On the other side, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss as they host the Cubs. With a 65-85 record, the Pirates sit at the bottom of the NL Central division. Under the guidance of manager Don Kelly, the Pirates have struggled recently, winning only 2 of their last 10 games.
The Cubs enter the game with a favorable moneyline of -135, indicating their status as favorites. Meanwhile, the Pirates have a moneyline of +114, reflecting their underdog position. The game is set for Monday, September 15, 2025, at 6:40 PM and will be televised on SN PT.
Pirates vs Cubs At a Glance
- Away Team Record: Chicago Cubs are 85-64 and sit 2nd in the NL Central.
- Home Team Record: Pittsburgh Pirates have a 65-85 record, ranked 5th in the NL Central.
- Stadium: The game will be played at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA.
- Game Time: Scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025 at 6:40 PM.
- Weather: Expect a warm day with a light breeze and ‘Broken Clouds’.
- Broadcast: The game will be televised on SN PT.
Can the Pirates Steer Through the Cubs’ Challenge?
Team Overview
The Chicago Cubs enter this game with a solid foundation on both sides of the ball. Their pitching staff boasts a respectable 3.87 ERA, ranking 10th in the league, which could pose challenges for the Pirates’ offense.
Offensively, the Cubs have shown strength, but their batting average of .231 places them 17th in the league. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities could be pivotal in their game against the Pirates.
Pitching Prowess
Jameson Taillon will take the mound for the Cubs with a 4.15 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. His experience and consistency have been valuable assets to the Cubs this season.
Taillon’s ability to limit walks and keep runners off base will be key against a Pirates lineup that has shown spurts of offensive potential. His matchup against Braxton Ashcraft will be a compelling duel to watch.
Key Players to Watch
Offensively, the Cubs rely heavily on their middle-order hitters to drive in runs. The team’s ability to hit for power, with 107 home runs this season, could be a game-changer.
Though not leading the league in extra-base hits, the Cubs have displayed an ability to come through in clutch situations. Their approach against Ashcraft’s pitching could define the game’s outcome.
Betting Trends
- SU as Underdog: 43-63 (40.6%)
- Runline as Underdog: 61-45 (57.5%)
- O/U in Away Games: 27-48 (36.0%)
Overall Outlook
The Cubs’ performance in away games has been inconsistent, evidenced by their 23-52 record. They will need to bring their A-game to overcome the Pirates at PNC Park.
The Pirates’ recent struggles may provide an opening for the Cubs to capitalize on. However, with both teams having something to prove, this game promises to be an intriguing contest.
Chicago Cubs Prepare for Crucial Away Game Against the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates: Team Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to host the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. With a season record not far from .500, the Pirates are striving to end the season on a positive note. Their performance at home has been a key factor, as they look to leverage the familiar turf to their advantage.
The Pirates’ lineup features a mix of emerging talents and seasoned players. Their ability to capitalize on offensive opportunities will be crucial in facing a Cubs team with playoff aspirations. The Pirates’ focus will be on consistent run production against the Cubs’ pitching staff.
Pirates’ Hitting Highlights
The Pirates have been solid at the plate, ranking in the middle of the league in batting statistics. Their lineup has shown capability in generating runs, with an emphasis on making contact and getting on base. While they may not lead the league in power hitting, their approach is centered on manufacturing runs.
The ability to draw walks has been a highlight for the Pirates, with key players demonstrating patience at the plate. This strategy could be pivotal against the Cubs, as working the pitch count and getting into the bullpen early can shift the game dynamics.
Pirates’ Pitching Prospects
Braxton Ashcraft is the starting pitcher for the Pirates, entering the game with a commendable ERA of 2.47. Ashcraft has been a revelation this season, consistently delivering strong performances. His ability to maintain control and limit base runners will be tested against the Cubs’ offense.
The Pirates’ bullpen has shown resilience in tight situations, often stepping up when needed. The relievers’ performance could be a deciding factor in close games, particularly if the starting rotation struggles to go deep.
Team Betting Trends
- SU in Home Games: Steady performance with a balanced win-loss record.
- Runline Trends: Moderate success in covering spreads, especially at home.
- Totals Trends: Games often align with league averages in scoring over/under.
The Pirates’ recent games have reflected a mix of outcomes, indicative of their season-long battle for consistency. Their ability to adapt and execute game plans will be essential against a competitive Cubs squad.
Pirates vs Cubs Prediction: Cubs -135
The Chicago Cubs enter this game with a solid 85-64 record, positioned second in the NL Central. Despite their offensive struggles post-All-Star break, they have managed a balanced 5-5 in their last 10 games. Playing away from home, the Cubs have a decent road record of 39-35, giving them a slight edge at PNC Park.
Jameson Taillon will start for the Cubs with a 4.15 ERA and a 9-6 record, providing experience against a struggling Pirates team. The Pirates have lost eight of their last nine games and hold a poor 2-8 record in their last 10. Although their home record is respectable at 42-33, their recent form has been concerning.
Braxton Ashcraft, with a 2.47 ERA for the Pirates, might pose a challenge, but the Cubs have historically performed well against the Pirates. They have won four out of the last five matchups and outscored them by an average margin of 0.8 runs. This trend suggests the Cubs’ ability to capitalize on Pittsburgh’s vulnerabilities.
Given the current form and head-to-head history, the Cubs are favored at -135 on the moneyline. The Cubs’ push for a wild-card spot enhances their motivation to perform, and with Taillon on the mound, they are likely to secure a win. The final projected score is Cubs 4 – Pirates 2, with the Cubs maintaining their postseason ambitions.
- Pirates vs Cubs Prediction: Cubs -135
- Pirates vs Cubs Score: Cubs 4 – Pirates 2
