Cubs vs Pirates Picks and Prediction – 5/1/2025

The Thursday MLB schedule will get underway with a matinee between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates from PNC Park. Be ready for the baseball season with all of our MLB predictions. The Cubs (18-13) are three games above .500 on the road and hold a two-game lead over Cincinnati for first place in the NL Central Division. Last night, Chicago SS Dansby Swanson went 3-for-4 with a run scored during a 4-3 road loss against Pittsburgh. 

Thirty-four year old righty Colin Rea (1-0 0.96 ERA) will make his fourth start of the year for the Cubs. Rea, who started the season as a reliever, has fanned 19 batters and owns a sparkling 1.07 WHIP across 18 plus frames. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates are averaging 3.4 runs per game and are stuck in the NL Central Division basement. On Wednesday, Pittsburgh DH Andrew McCutchen delivered a game-winning two-run double in the seventh inning. OF Bryan Reynolds added a pair of hits and scored a run for the Pirates (12-19), who improved to 7-8 at home. 

The Pirates will turn to 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes (3-2 2.39 ERA) in the series finale. In his last start, Skenes (6.1 IP) allowed five hits and struck out nine batters during an impressive 3-0 road victory against Los Angeles.  

Pittsburgh SP Jared Jones (elbow) has been transferred to the 60-day injured list and is not eligible to return until July 1st. Through 31 games, Chicago ranks 2nd in OPS and 1st in runs scored. For the season, Pittsburgh ranks 27th in OPS and 25th in runs scored. Take the over. Final Score Prediction, Pittsburgh Pirates win 6-4.