MLB Baseball
2013-05-21 - Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
United States: MLB Baseball
Tuesday 21 May 2013 - First Pitch 7:05pm
12:05am (British Time)
Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates (25-18) continue to try and close the gap to the St Louis Cardinals in the National League Central and knocking off the Chicago Cubs (18-25) should help them further. This is the first of a three game series and the second series these teams have played against one another this season following a 2-1 win for the Cubs in April in the same ball park.
The Pirates have won 8 of their last 10 games and have their best start to a season since 1991, but Pittsburgh know they have to do a better job when facing the Cubs. Chicago have struggled over the last season and they look set for another season with a losing record, despite a strong record in Pittsburgh.
Wandy Rodriguez will be given the ball for Pittsburgh as he looks to improve his 4-2 record and his 3.25 ERA. The pitcher has been particularly dominant at home where he is 3-1 with a 1.35 from his four starts here this season.
While Chicago have won 5 of their last 7 on the road, and 5 of their last 8 overall, it is still likely to be a tough season for them as their roster continues to be shaped for the future. The Cubs will also have to rely on their bullpen in this one as their best pitcher makes his first start of the season.
Matt Garza has been taken off the disabled list having not started a game in the Major League since the middle of July last year. He has pitched in the Triple A level, but is likely to be restricted to 90 pitches in this one.
Head to Head
Pittsburgh were beaten in 2 out of 3 games here by the Chicago Cubs earlier this season.
That means the Cubs have won 7 of their last 9 games in Pittsburgh.
Prediction
Pittsburgh don't have a great recent record against the Chicago Cubs, but they could grab the first game of this series. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if Matt Garza struggles a little with his command in his first game at this level since July.
Add the fact that Wandy Rodriguez has been dominant at home this season and the Pirates look the call.
The Pick :
Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 Chicago Cubs
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Pittsburgh Pirates @ 1.73
