Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs 5/16/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Pittsburgh Pirates open a three-game series in the Windy City on Monday against the Chicago Cubs. Pittsburgh improved to 14-19 following its 3-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. Zack Thompson did not allow any hits in 5-plus innings on the mound for Pittsburgh and Daniel Vogelbach hit a home run to help lead the Pirates to the win. Pittsburgh is third in the National League Central, 6 ½ games behind the first place Milwaukee Brewers.

Ke’Bryan Hayes is batting .312 to lead Pittsburgh and the third baseman has team highs in hits with 34 and on-base percentage at .411. First baseman Daniel Vogelbach is the leader in home runs with six and left fielder Ben Gamel has a team-high 15 RBIs. On Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates will send Bryse Wilson to the mound. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 5.82 ERA, 20 Ks and 10 BBs.

Chicago improved to 12-20 following its 4-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. Yan Gomes hit a home run and a single that drove in the go-ahead run to help lead the Cubs to the victory on Saturday. Chicago has won two out of its last two three and the Cubs are fourth in the NL Central, eight games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.

Willson Contreras is batting .286 to lead Chicago and the catcher has team highs in hits with the 28th and on-base percentage at .402. Third baseman Patrick Wisdom is the leader in home runs five and RBIs with a 16. On Monday, the Chicago Cubs will send Wade Miley to the mound. The left-hander is 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA, 1 Ks and 5 BBs.