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National League Central foes clash when the Pittsburgh Pirates (6-7) and the Chicago Cubs (6-7) battle it out in Game 2 of their four-game series. The Pirates won the first matchup 4-3 and halted their three-game slide. Meanwhile, Chicago has dropped three straight. Jose Quintana (0-1, 3.86 ERA) is starting for Pittsburgh and Drew Smyly (1-0, 0.00 ERA) is on the hill for Chicago.

First pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists Chicago as the -175 favorite (risk $175 to win $100) in the latest Cubs vs. Pirates odds, while Pittsburgh is the +155 underdog. The over-under for total runs is set at 7.5. Before making Cubs vs. Pirates picks, you need to check out the latest MLB predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The model, which simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, is off to a sizzling start to the 2022 season. It's on a 14-4 roll on top-rated MLB money-line picks through two weeks, returning over $800 for $100 players. Anyone following it has seen huge returns. 

Now, the model has locked in on Cubs vs. Pirates, and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are the MLB odds and trends for Pirates vs. Cubs:

  • Cubs vs. Pirates money line: Chicago -175, Pittsburgh +155
  • Cubs vs. Pirates run-line: Chicago -1.5 (+125)
  • Cubs vs. Pirates over-under: 7.5 runs
  • PIT: Under is 5-0-2 in Pirates' last seven games as underdogs
  • CHC: Cubs are 5-2 in their last seven games as home favorites

Why you should back the Cubs

First baseman Frank Schwindel is capable of hitting for contact and has excellent home-run power. He doesn't strike out much and has a good plate presence. The New Jersey native has all the tools to consistently impact the game. He has a batting average of .245 with two homers and right RBIs. On April 18, Schwindel went 1-for-4 with a solo home run.

Smyly, a lefty, is a solid strike-thrower who can be dominant on the hill when he's confident. He can strike batters out with ease with an array of pitches. Smyly hasn't allowed a run in his first two starts and will look to continue that stretch through this matchup. 

Why you should back the Pirates

First baseman Daniel Vogelbach has plenty of power and pop in his swing. Vogelbach has run-producing upside with good pitch recognition. The 2019 All-Star can drive the ball to all gaps on the field. Vogelbach has a batting average of .316 with three home runs and five RBIs. On April 19, he went 1-for-4 with a solo homer.

Third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes is a reliable and stout defender in the infield. Hayes makes quick reads with good lateral quickness to make difficult plays. He has a strong arm to deliver the baseball across the diamond with velocity. The 25-year-old is aggressive in the batters' box and consistently gets on base. He currently has a batting average of .333 with four RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .822.

How to make Pirates vs. Cubs picks

SportsLine's model is leaning over on the run total, as the simulation suggests the teams will combine for 9.7 runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins Cubs vs. Pirates? And which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side to jump on, all from the advanced model that has crushed its top-rated MLB picks, and find out.