Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates 9/25/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Chicago Cubs complete a four-game series on the road Sunday at PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Chicago is 68-85 following its 6-5 victory over the Pirates in the second game of the series on Friday. Chicago has won each of the first two games of the series and the Cubs have won four straight overall. Chicago is third in the National League Central but has been eliminated from postseason contention.

Shortstop Nico Hoerner is batting .291 to lead Chicago while third baseman Patrick Wisdom is the leader in home runs with 24. Left fielder Ian Happ is the leader in RBIs with 69, hits with 144 and on-base percentage at .340. On Sunday, the Chicago Cubs will send Adrian Sampson to the mound. The right-hander is 2-5 with a 3.35 ERA, 61 Ks and 24 BBs.

With its one-run loss on Friday to Chicago, Pittsburgh dropped to 55-96. The Pirates have lost eight straight and 10 of the last 14. Pittsburgh is struggling at the plate as the Pirates are 29th in team batting average at .220 and the Pirates also struggle on the mound with the 27th team ERA at 4.74. Pittsburgh is last in the National League Central and has been eliminated from postseason competition.

Center fielder Bryan Reynolds is batting .265 to lead Pittsburgh and has team highs in home runs with 25, RBIs with 59, hits with 134 and on-base percentage at .344. Oneil Cruz is second in home runs with 17 and is also second in RBIs with 51. On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Pirates will send Luis Ortiz to the mound. The right-hander is 0-0 with a 0.84 ERA, 10 Ks and 5 BBs.