The Chicago Cubs have four more easy games – and an off-day on Monday – before their schedule kicks into HIGH gear. So even though they’re rolling with Mark Leiter Jr. on the mound tonight, that’s no excuse to lose this game. The weather in Chicago is beautiful, David Ross has put together a compelling lineup for the right-hander Bryse Wilson, and they’re just the 2022 Pirates. Score early and often, and win the dang game(s).
Go Cubs.
Game Info
Pittsburgh Pirates (5-7) at Chicago Cubs (6-5) – Thursday, April 21 at 6:40 CT on Marquee, 670 The Score
Bet of the Day:
One of the left-handed hitters is going to hit a home run tonight. The weather is good, Bryse Wilson gets CRUSHED by lefties in general (.382 wOBA), but especially in terms of long-ball statistics: 1.97 HR/9, 40.6 FB%, 15.9 HR/FB%, very little weak contact. The easy choice is Ian Happ, and I did take him, but I also threw a few bones on … stay with me Jason Heyward.
He was +700 to homer at DraftKings, and he has faced Wilson before (2-6). Those are long odds for a reason, so follow me at your own peril, but he’s gotta go deep sometime, right?
Starting Pitchers
Pirates: Bryse Wilson (R)
versus
Cubs: Mark Leiter Jr. (R)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
1. Rafael Ortega, RF
2. Seiya Suzuki, DH
3. Willson Contreras, C
4. Ian Happ, LF
5. Frank Schwindel, 1B
6. Jonathan Villar, 2B
7. Jason Heyward, CF
8. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
9. Nico Hoerner, SS
Pittsburgh Pirates:
1. Daniel Vogelbach, DH
2. Bryan Reynolds, CF
3. Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B
4. Yoshi Tsutsugo, 1B
5. Michael Chavis, 2B
6. Ben Gamel, LF
7. Cole Tucker, RF
8. Roberto Perez, C
9. Hoy Park, SS