Pirates vs Cubs Picks and Prediction – 9/2/2024

The Pittsburgh Pirates travel to Chicago Monday to kick off a three-game series with the Cubs. Pittsburgh is 9 games below .500 on the year following a win against Cleveland to end A4 game losing streak. Offensively Pittsburgh has been one of the lower teams in the league with a .237 team batting average. Pittsburgh has scored 568 runs on 1081 hits this season. The Pittsburgh pitching has failed them this season as well with a 4.16 team ERA. Stay up to date with our MLB Picks.

Bryan Reynolds leads the Pittsburgh offense this season in all 5 statistical categories. Reynolds has compiled a .282 batting average to go along with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs. O'Neill Cruz has eighteen home runs and 68 RBI's to go along with a .276 batting average. Andrew McCutchen has chipped in 17 home runs and 44 RBIs on the year. Rowdy Tellez and Joey Bart are both tied for fourth on the roster with twelve home runs apiece.

The Chicago Cubs will be back at home Monday four games above .500 riding a hot streak. Offensively Chicago has been terrible this season with a .239 team batting average. The Cubs have scored 607 runs on 1082 hits this season. The Chicago power has been the team's biggest strength with 145 total home runs and a .395 team slugging percentage.

Seiya Suzuki is the offensive leader of the season for Chicago with a .279 batting average and a .346 OBP. Nico Hoerner leads the team with 126 hits in 127 games played overall. Michael Busch has come up big for Chicago all season having compiled 16 home runs and 51 RBIs. Ian Happ leads the team with 23 home runs and 76 RBIs in 130 games played.

Both teams have had a ton of issues this year as neither currently sit in playoff contention. The Cubs have the best shot as they are 4 games back of the Wild Card. Look for Chicago to lean on their home fans to do the work leading to the win. Take the Cubs Monday at home to get the win. Final Score Prediction, Chicago Cubs win 5-2.