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The Chicago Cubs were seeing around 85% of the early Tuesday action for this afternoon game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Chicago had a line of -140, which wasn't moving much during the morning hours.
It is Pittsburgh that has the 7-2 record coming into this game whereas Chicago is 5-4.
Pittsburgh is, however, just 6-13 in the last 19 meetings in Chicago. The Pirates are 4-6 in the last ten meetings.
Six everyday starters are batting over .300 for Pittsburgh and the Pirates RH Ivan Nova (0-1, 6.10 ERA) will look to bounce back from a poor start to the season where he is looking to capture his first win. The 31-year-old Dominican is 2-1 with a 4.09 ERA in four career starts against the Cubs. The Pirates are 1-7 in Novas last 8 starts, so he is really desperate for a win here.
It is opening day one day later in Chicago due to a snow storm. The Cubs will be without Anthony Rizzo as the first baseman appears headed to the 10-day disabled list for the first time with back tightness.
The Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (0-1, 1.50) was excellent in his Cubs debut, holding Cincinnati to one run and four hits but the lack of run support resulted in a 0-1 defeat. Chatwood has posted a 1.50 ERA without recording a decision in two career starts against the Pirates.
On paper at least this looks like it should be the Cubs game to win but don't tell that to the bookmakers, who have thus far declined to move the line higher despite the demand. Pirates in this one.
- Tony Caliente, Gambling911.com
