Published Apr 12, 4:15am ET by
Demilade Adelekun - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Apr 12, 4:15am ET
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Updated Apr 12, 4:18am ET
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| Chicago Cubs | -136 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | +113 |
Bubba Chandler is 23 years old and in his first full season as a starter. He is a big arm pitcher, but can be inaccurate. Ten walks in 8.2 innings across two starts, but his fastball still averages 98.9 mph and hits 101-102. Hitters haven't squared him up: five hits allowed, zero home runs. The walks are keeping his pitch counts up and shortening his outings, but when he does throw strikes he is effective.
Pittsburgh is hitting .240 with 13 home runs. Oneil Cruz leads the team at .345 with four homers and 12 RBI. Ryan O'Hearn has three home runs and 12 RBI while batting .319. The Pirates carry a 3.02 team ERA and are 9-5, first in the NL Central.
Taillon is a reliable, contact-management pitcher rather than a strikeout arm, and at 34 he knows his profile. Through two 2026 starts, the ERA is 2.53 with four walks and seven strikeouts in 10.2 innings. Two home runs allowed is worth monitoring at Wrigley, which plays as a hitter-friendly park when the wind blows out.
Chicago is hitting .219 with 13 home runs. Nico Hoerner leads the team at .308 with a .422 OBP and 10 RBI. Ian Happ has four home runs and seven RBI. The Cubs are 6-8, 3-6 at home, and have lost their last two, both to Pittsburgh in this series.
Pittsburgh comes in as the road underdog at +113 despite having the better record, the better team ERA, a 2-0 series lead, and a significant day game advantage. Chicago is 3-6 in day games this season, while Pittsburgh is 7-3. The plus money on the better team is the play.
Pick: Pirates +113
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Pick
Pirates +113
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