MLB Picks: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs

The Pittsburgh Pirates (4-2) and Chicago Cubs (2-4) will open up a National League Central series Tuesday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs

Pittsburgh Pirates OF Andrew McCutchen should have a big night Tuesday

Pittsburgh hits the road for the first time after completing a 4-2 homestand, as it looks to build off a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals as 151 underdogs Sunday, while going UNDER the betting total of 7. The Pirates are led offensively by outfielder Andrew McCutchen, who is 8 for 21 with two home runs and five walks against Chicago’s scheduled starting pitcher. Pittsburgh is 13-12 on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 14-9 in that situation.

Pirates starting pitcher Charlie Morton (0-0, 0.00 ERA) didn’t earn a decision in a 4-3 home victory over the Cubs last week, as he allowed just four hits over six shutout innings. The right-hander went 5-2 with a 3.61 ERA in 11 road appearances last year, with opposing hitters batting .270 against him. In 10 career games versus the Cubs, Morton has compiled a 2-4 record and 4.36 ERA, including a 1-3 mark and 5.60 ERA in five outings at this venue.

Chicago will try to win back-to-back games for the first time this season, as it tallied a 8-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies as +109 home underdogs Sunday, while going OVER the betting total for the first time in four affairs. The Cubs have been thrilled with Emilio Bonifacio’s start to the 2014 campaign, as he leads the majors with 14 hits in 28 at-bats. Chicago is 46-81 following a win the last two-plus seasons.

Cubs starting pitcher Edwin Jackson (0-0, 1.69 ERA) matched Morton in his season debut—surrendering just two runs (one earned) and two hits over 5.1 innings of work. It’s important to point out that the right-hander compiled a 0-4 record and 6.27 ERA in six efforts during the month of April a season ago. In 11 career games versus the Pirates, Jackson has gone 6-2 with a 3.06 ERA.