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Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 1, 2025

Updated on:
May 1, 2025 1:17 PM
The Chicago Cubs, currently sitting atop the NL Central with an 18-13 record, travel to PNC Park to face off in a pivotal Thursday afternoon matchup. The Pirates, seeking to even the series after splitting the first two games, will look to capitalize on their 7-8 home record to take the series lead.
Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates

Current Odds

CHC
PIT
Over
7.5
+110
Under
7.5
-105
CHC
-1.5
+118
PIT
+1.5
-120
CHC
ML
-295
PIT
ML
+280

Cubs vs Pirates statistics

Stat Cubs Pirates
Hits 287 (1st) 233 (Tied-22nd)
Batting Average .263 (2nd) .226 (26th)
Runs Batted In 180 (1st) 104 (25th)
Runs 184 (1st) 106 (Tied-24th)
Home Runs 42 (4th) 23 (28th)
Walks 124 (Tied-3rd) 109 (Tied-13th)
Stolen Bases 44 (1st) 35 (5th)
Strikeouts 251 (16th) 274 (Tied-24th)
Pitches 4871 (2nd) 4607 (11th)

Pittsburgh Pirates recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
4/30/25 vs Chicago Cubs W 4-3
4/29/25 vs Chicago Cubs L 9-0
4/27/25 @ Los Angeles Dodgers L 9-2
4/26/25 @ Los Angeles Dodgers L 8-4
4/25/25 @ Los Angeles Dodgers W 3-0

Chicago Cubs recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
4/30/25 @ Pittsburgh Pirates L 4-3
4/29/25 @ Pittsburgh Pirates W 9-0
4/27/25 vs Philadelphia Phillies L 3-1 F/10
4/26/25 vs Philadelphia Phillies L 10-4
4/25/25 vs Philadelphia Phillies W 4-0

Pittsburgh Pirates injuries

  • Dennis Santana (RP): Bereavement
  • Sean Sullivan (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Spencer Horwitz (1B): 10-Day-IL
  • Burch Smith (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Endy Rodriguez (1B): 10-Day-IL

Chicago Cubs injuries

  • Brett Bateman (CF): Day-To-Day
  • Tyson Miller (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Shota Imanaga (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Ryan Brasier (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Eli Morgan (RP): 15-Day-IL

Cubs vs Pirates game info

Type Info
Venue PNC Park
Location Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
First pitch Thu 12:35 PM
Temperature 78°
Chance of Rain 6%

Cubs vs Pirates predictions

As the Chicago Cubs prepare to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates, there's a lot riding on the bats and instincts of some key players. Nico Hoerner has been a steady force at the plate with a solid batting average. I'm expecting Hoerner to keep up his consistency by grabbing a few hits and potentially driving in some crucial runs. Carson Kelly, the powerhouse catcher, seems poised to add to his home run tally, looking to capitalize on any mistakes the Pirates' pitcher might make. And then there's Kyle Tucker, who’s been driving in runs like it’s a casual weekend hobby. With a slugger like Tucker in the lineup, the Cubs are often just one swing away from big numbers on the board. Colin Rea, stepping up to the mound, might just throw a few more strikes than the Pirates are ready for, keeping their hitters on their toes throughout his innings of work.

Switching over to the Pirates, they'll be counting on the dynamism of Oneil Cruz, who has a knack for sending the ball over the fence, not to mention his ability to rack up RBIs. Cruz often brings the heat and sets the pace for the Pirates' offense. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, with his nearly reliable hitting, has the potential to be a thorn in the Cubs’ side. He’s got that on-base knack that can change the game's rhythm in a heartbeat. On the mound, Paul Skenes will play the key role of keeping the Cubs’ bats in check. Given his recent performances, one might expect Skenes to challenge the Cubs' hitters with his mix of pitches, potentially emphasizing his strikeout talents. If he can get in a groove early, the Cubs will have to bristle up their batting strategy more than once.

As for predicting the winner, it’s shaping up to be a tight contest. The Cubs have the upper hand in batting prowess, leading in runs scored and hits, which could very well give them the edge they need at PNC Park. But you can't overlook the notorious reputation of the Pirates on their home turf; they might just pull a surprise with a mix of speed on the bases and strategic swings. The key will likely lie in the pitching arms of Colin Rea and Paul Skenes. If Skenes manages to silence the Cubs early, he could tip the scales in favor of the Pirates. While the Cubs' road record suggests confidence away from home, this clash of NL Central foes could truly come down to which team seizes early momentum. For now, I'd lean towards the Cubs, but only just, with perhaps a sprinkle of magic from their batting lineup making all the difference. What do you think?

Pittsburgh Pirates

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