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- With windy weather anticipated in Chicago this opening day, books began dropping the Pirates-Cubs total down to 6.5
- Winds were expected to be between 15 mph and 18 mph blowing in from the left and likely reducing home runs.
- The Under is 5-1 in Cubs last 6 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200 and 6-1-1 in Pirates last 8 overall.
The weather in Chicago should be windy for Thursday afternoon's opener versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. The total has held during the AM hours at 7 across all sports betting outlets. At least one book, Heritage, had dropped to 6.5. This was promptly followed by a handful of other books moving to 6.5, including Bookmaker.
Winds will be between 15 mph and 18 mph blowing in from the left during game time, thus reducing the prospect for any large number of home runs. Additionally, temperatures will be in the low 30s.
The Cubs have won the last ten games at home in this series and 13 of the last 14.
The Under is 5-1 in Cubs last 6 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200. The Under is 6-1-1 in Pirates last 8 overall.
Pittsburgh's unproven rotation is led by 28-year-old Chad Kuhl. He is 2-6 with a 5.82 ERA in 12 career games (11 starts) against Chicago. Kuhl has especially had difficulties containing Anthony Rizzo, who is 8-for-24 with two homers against the right-hander.
The Pirates are just 4-12 in their last 16 games vs. a right-handed starter. They are 1-8 in their last 9 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Kyle Hendricks is making his second consecutive Opening Day start for the Cubs Hendricks posted a 2.88 ERA last season with 64 strikeouts and eight walks in 81 1/3 innings over 12 starts. Last year's opening day start for Hendricks was a three-hit shutout of Milwaukee.
The Pirates finished last year's shortened campaign with the majors' worst record at 19-41 and are clearly in rebuilding mode after losing Josh Bell, Joe Musgrove, Chris Archer and Jameson Taillon during the offseason.
The Cubs range anywhere from a -208 to -220 favorite after opening at -225. Pittsburgh is +185 to +192 depending on the book.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
