The Chicago Cubs (87-64) head into Wednesday’s afternoon clash against the Pittsburgh Pirates (65-87) with momentum on their side and Nico Hoerner riding an impressive 11-game hitting streak. With the Cubs favored at -144, this matchup presents a solid opportunity to continue their strong season.
Game Details
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 12:35 p.m. ET
Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh
TV Coverage: MLB Network, SportsNet PT, Marquee Sports Network
Betting Line: Cubs -144, Pirates +120
Run Total: 7.5 runs
Spread: Cubs -1.5
Pitching Matchup: Boyd vs Oviedo
Matthew Boyd Takes the Mound for Chicago
Matthew Boyd gets the start for the Cubs in what will be his 30th appearance of the season. The veteran left-hander brings impressive numbers to Pittsburgh: 13-8 record with a 3.05 ERA across 171⅓ innings. His 146 strikeouts demonstrate the kind of consistency that has helped anchor Chicago’s rotation.
Boyd’s ability to limit runs while eating innings makes him the perfect pitcher for this type of afternoon game. Against a Pirates lineup that struggles to generate offense, he should have plenty of opportunities to work ahead in counts.
Johan Oviedo Counters for Pittsburgh
The Pirates counter with Johan Oviedo, who enters with a 2-0 record in just his seventh start of the season. While his limited sample size makes him somewhat unpredictable, Pittsburgh will need a strong outing to keep pace with Chicago’s potent offense.
Cubs Offense: Built for Success
Nico Hoerner’s Hot Streak Continues
Hoerner’s 11-game hitting streak headlines Chicago’s offensive attack. The second baseman leads the team with a .301 batting average and has contributed 6 home runs with 59 RBIs. His ability to get on base consistently sets the table for the power hitters behind him.
Power Throughout the Lineup
Pete Crow-Armstrong provides the thunder with a team-leading 29 home runs and 90 RBIs while slugging .485. Ian Happ adds depth with 127 hits, a .345 OBP, and .419 slugging percentage. Seiya Suzuki rounds out the core with 27 homers and 91 RBIs despite a .244 average.
This Cubs offense ranks 8th in MLB with 735 runs scored (4.9 per game) and 203 home runs. Their .250 team batting average places them 11th league-wide, while striking out just 7.8 times per game – the 6th-best rate in baseball.
Pirates’ Offensive Struggles
Pittsburgh’s numbers tell a concerning story for their chances Wednesday. The Pirates rank dead last in MLB with just 541 runs scored (3.6 per game) and 107 home runs. Their .230 team batting average ranks 28th among all teams.
Bryan Reynolds leads the team with a .241 average and 71 RBIs, while Oneil Cruz provides power with 19 home runs. Andrew McCutchen (.239, 13 HRs) and Spencer Horwitz (.260, 9 HRs) round out their key contributors, but the lack of consistent offensive production remains Pittsburgh’s biggest weakness.
Pitching Staff Analysis
Cubs Pitching: Solid Foundation
Chicago’s pitching staff owns a 3.82 ERA (7th in MLB), providing the foundation for their success. While they rank 27th in strikeouts per nine innings (7.8), their ability to limit runs has been crucial to the team’s 87-64 record.
Pirates Pitching: Bright Spot in Tough Season
Despite their offensive struggles, Pittsburgh’s pitching has been respectable with a 3.87 ERA (10th in MLB). Their 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings rank 21st, giving them a chance to keep games close.
Key Betting Trends
The Cubs have excelled as favorites this season, posting a 69-40 record (63.3% win rate) in those situations. When favored by -144 or shorter odds, they’re even better at 46-22 (67.6%).
Pittsburgh has struggled as underdogs, winning just 43 of 105 games (41%). In games where they’re underdogs of +120 or more, they’re 23-41.
The over/under sits at 7.5 runs, and both teams have gone over roughly 40% of the time this season.
Injury Report
Cubs: Kyle Tucker (calf), Miguel Amaya (ankle), Daniel Palencia (shoulder), Ryan Brasier (groin), Justin Steele (elbow), Eli Morgan (elbow), Owen Caissie (concussion)
Pirates: Ronny Simon (shoulder), Endy Rodriguez (elbow), Jared Jones (elbow), Enmanuel Valdez (shoulder)
Neither team faces critical injuries that should significantly impact Wednesday’s outcome.
Game Prediction
Final Score: Cubs 6, Pirates 3
Total: Over 7.5 runs
The Cubs enter this matchup with significant advantages in both offensive production and recent form. Boyd’s consistency on the mound should neutralize Pittsburgh’s already limited offensive capabilities, while Chicago’s lineup has multiple ways to score runs.
Hoerner’s hitting streak provides additional momentum, and the Cubs’ superior depth should prove decisive in what projects as a competitive but ultimately comfortable victory for the visitors.
This afternoon contest represents exactly the type of game where Chicago’s quality throughout the lineup and rotation should shine through against a Pirates team that’s been one of baseball’s biggest disappointments this season.