MLB Predictions Preview … The Chicago Cubs keep winning, leading the NL Central by four-games over St. Louis and Milwaukee; however, history tells us a lead can dissipate quickly. So the Cubs must keep winning and beating the lower clubs in the division is a must. The Cubs will play Pittsburgh in the second game of their three-game weekend series and try to regain the winning momentum they had after sweeping Milwaukee in four games last week.Ace left hand pitcher Ted Lilly (10-6, 4.49 ERA) gets the start for the Cubs in today’s game while the Pirates counter with lefty Paul Maholm (7-6, 3.79 ERA).
MLB Predictions Betting Line … The Cubs are listed as -195 money line favorites at Sportsbook.com for today’s game with an 8.5 total. The Pirates are getting +182 money line juice as road underdog.
Lilly did not get a decision in his last start against the Brewers. The lefty gave up three runs on seven hits, including back to back homers by J.J. Hardy and Ryan Braun, over six innings. Lilly was mad at himself for the mistakes. He finished July 1-1 in five starts. He has faced Pittsburgh twice this year, and did not get a decision in either game. Lilly is 1-0 when starting against Pittsburgh with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.637.His team's record is 3-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2 (+0.9 units).
Maholm continued his solid work in his last start against San Diego on July 27. He hurled seven innings and gave up one run on four hits. He recorded nine strikeouts and received a no-decision. Maholm has gone 5-1 in his last 11 starts. He has worked at least six innings in each of his last 15 outings. Maholm is 4-0 when starting against Chicago Cubs with an ERA of 6.15 and a WHIP of 1.439.His team's record is 6-1 (+8.5 units) in these starts.
Jeff Karstens combined on a five-hit shutout on Friday, as the Pirates defeated the Cubs 3-0. The Pirates won that game as +210 underdogs, while the team's played UNDER the day's posted over/under (9.5).
Jason Michaels homered and drove in two runs to lead the way. Karstens got his first victory in a Pirates uniform.
Aramis Ramirez had two hits for the Cubs, who were favored by oddsmakers at -240. Jason Marquis gave up three runs on eight hits over six innings as he dropped to 6-7 overall.
Recent history has the Cubs record at 9-4 (+1.9 Units) against Pittsburgh this season 9 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season.
MLB Game Prediction …Cubs -195 ml.
