The Pittsburgh Pirates host the Chicago Cubs on May 1, 2025. First pitch from PNC Park is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. EDT; the game will be broadcast on MARQ.
Find my Cubs vs Pirates prediction and same-game parlay picks below.
Cubs vs Pirates Prediction, Parlay Picks
- Paul Skenes Over 6.5 Strikeouts
- Pirates ML
Parlay odds: +165 (Fanatics)
Cubs vs Pirates Odds
| Cubs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -200 | 7.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
| Pirates Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +165 | 7.5 -110o / -110u | -145 |
Cubs vs Pirates Projected Starting Pitchers
| RHP Colin Rea (CHC) | Stat | RHP Paul Skenes (PIT) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-0 | W-L | 3-2 |
| 0.7 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 1.6 |
| 0.96/3.06 | ERA /xERA | 2.39/1.94 |
| 1.53/3.13 | FIP / xFIP | 1.75/2.46 |
| 1.07 | WHIP | 0.80 |
| 21.1 | K-BB% | 24.6 |
| 37 | GB% | 52 |
| 97 | Stuff+ | 111 |
| 95 | Location+ | 109 |
Cubs vs Pirates Prediction, Parlay Picks
Paul Skenes Over 6.5 Strikeouts
I'm backing Cy Young favorite Paul Skenes to eclipse his 6.5-strikeout prop line.
He’s coming off a dominant outing against the powerhouse Dodgers, where he racked up nine strikeouts across 6 1/3 scoreless frames.
I'm expecting a similar performance on Thursday, especially in what’s expected to be a tight pitching duel between two of the NL Central’s top arms.
Pirates ML
In what should be another low-scoring battle, I'm backing the Pirates to come out on top.
I'm expecting Pittsburgh's young pitching star to shine again and lead his team to a second consecutive win.
Cubs vs Pirates Same-Game Parlay
- Paul Skenes Over 6.5 Strikeouts
- Pirates ML
Parlay odds: +165 (Fanatics)
