NL Central Total of the Month MLB 10*
(MLB) Chi Cubs vs. Pittsburgh, 06/19/2023 7:05 PM, Score: 8 - 0
Total: 9.00 | -115.00 Over
Result: Loss
#903/904 ASA TOP PLAY ON 10* Over 9 Runs – Chicago Cubs @ Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday at 7:05 PM ET - Expected starters are Osvaldo Bido for the Pirates and Drew Smyly for the Cubs. We like the over here regardless of the starting pitchers as some overall metrics are pointing to the over here plus both of the bullpens certainly should help the cause as well. Taking a look at ERA, the Pirates bullpen and the Cubs bullpen both rank in the bottom fourth of the league so far this season. The Cubs have won 7 of 9 games and have been hitting well during this stretch and averaging 6 runs scored in those 9 games. Look for Chicago to maintain this hotter stretch of hitting. They will be helped here by the fact they just faced Bido and the Pirates bullpen last week. Also, Pittsburgh just faced Smyly and the Cubs bullpen last week and the Pirates, season after season, do tend to hit better when at home. Pittsburgh should take advantage of facing a struggling Cubs pitcher, Smyly, in this one as he has struggled and been hit hard in his last 4 starts. The Cubs lefty has allowed 30 hits in 22.1 innings in this 4-game stretch! The Pirates also have a starter, Bido, likely to struggle on the mound for this one. The right-hander is a rookie making just his 2nd start and giving the Cubs a quick second look at him. He went 10-20 with an ERA in the 5.00 range in the last 3 seasons combined at the minor league level. More of the same here at home in just his 2nd MLB start. Over is the call in this one Monday evening.