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Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates June 13th 2025
The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to play the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday, June 13, 2025. The game will start at 2:20 PM, and fans can catch it on SN PT. The weather forecast predicts an overcast day with mild temperatures and a calm crosswind.
The Pirates, managed by Don Kelly, have a record of 28-42 this season. Their road performance has been challenging, with a 9-23 record. The Cubs, led by Craig Counsell, hold a stronger record of 42-27 and are 21-11 at home. Paul Skenes will pitch for the Pirates, while Cade Horton takes the mound for the Cubs.
Pirates vs Cubs Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs
- Venue: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
- Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
- Betting Odds: Cubs MoneyLine -114, Pirates MoneyLine -104
The Pirates Can Win If…
The Pittsburgh Pirates recently played against the Chicago Cubs and lost 2-3. Andrew Heaney pitched six innings, giving up three runs and striking out seven. Spencer Horwitz and Adam Frazier each contributed with a hit and a run, showing potential for the upcoming game.
The Pirates have a solid chance to win with their strong pitching. Paul Skenes is set to start, carrying an impressive ERA of 1.88 and a WHIP of 0.83. The Pirates’ pitching staff ranks 8th in batting average against, which could limit the Cubs’ offensive opportunities.
Offensively, the Pirates have several players who can make a difference. Andrew McCutchen leads the team with a .263 batting average and has six home runs. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, with a .298 average, can also provide key hits to support the Pirates’ effort to secure a win.
The Cubs Can Win If…
The Chicago Cubs are coming off a 3-2 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jameson Taillon pitched well, going 6 1/3 innings with 7 strikeouts. Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong each hit a home run, helping the Cubs secure the victory.
The Cubs have strong hitting stats this season. They rank 3rd in batting average at .258 and 4th in slugging percentage at .443. With 94 home runs, they are 5th in the league, showing they can score runs quickly.
Cade Horton will start for the Cubs with a 4.11 ERA and a 3-1 record. The Cubs have 27 quality starts this season, ranking 8th, showing their ability to keep games close. With a solid lineup and reliable pitching, the Cubs have a good chance to win this game.
The Lean
The Cubs are the slight favorites with a moneyline of -114 against the Pirates at -104. Based on the hitting stats, the Cubs have a stronger lineup, ranking 3rd in batting average and 4th in slugging percentage. The Pirates rank lower in these categories, so the recommendation is to pick the Cubs to win straight up. The model projects the Cubs to win 4-3.
The over/under line is set at 7.0. Both teams have solid pitching, with the Cubs having a slightly better ERA at 3.72 compared to the Pirates’ 3.79. Given the strong pitching and the projected score of 4-3, the recommendation is to take the under. The model suggests a total of 7 runs, aligning with the set line.
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Skenes Looks to Solve Cubs in Series’ Second Game
The Pittsburgh Pirates will send their hard-luck ace to the mound on Friday afternoon as they try to even their four-game series against the rival Chicago Cubs. For Paul Skenes, it’s another chance to get a win that his stellar pitching has deserved all season.
The Paul Skenes Dilemma
Skenes, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, is having a phenomenal sophomore season, boasting a sparkling 1.88 ERA. The problem? His record is a losing 4-6. The culprit has been a punchless Pirates offense that has scored three runs or fewer in nine of his 14 starts. His last outing was a perfect example: he fired 7 2/3 brilliant innings of one-run ball only to get a no-decision. His ERA is among the best across all MLB teams, but his record doesn’t show it.
“I think we’ve been playing pretty good ball for a little bit now and either haven’t come out with (wins) or lost by a run,” Skenes said.
A Tough Test at Wrigley
While Skenes has been dominant, the Cubs have had some success against him. In their last meeting on May 1, Chicago tagged him for three solo home runs. They’ll look for a similar approach after taking the series opener 3-2 on Thursday, thanks to homers from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki.
Chicago’s Rookie Counterpart
The Cubs will counter with their own promising young arm, rookie right-hander Cade Horton (3-1, 4.11 ERA). Horton is looking to bounce back after suffering his first career loss in his last start, where he struggled with his command. Facing an ace like Skenes after a tough outing is a major challenge, a topic often explored in our expert betting guide.
“Fastball execution wasn’t there,” Horton said of his last start. “Gave them the momentum early… It happens.”
This fantastic pitching matchup between a budding superstar and a rising rookie is sure to be a focal point on the scores and odds board. To see who our experts think will come out on top, check out our daily MLB picks.
