Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates 6/15/23

Marcus Stroman, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, leads the way for the Chicago Cubs (30-37) as they face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (34-32) at Wrigley Field on Thursday with the home team in position for a sweep of the three-game series.

The Cubs lead the series 2-0 after winning 10-6 on Wednesday. Drew Smyly went six innings for the win, allowing five runs on nine hits.

Dansby Swanson went 3 for 4 with one run and two RBIs in the win. Bryan Reynolds was 3 for 5 with a double and three runs for the Pirates, extending his on-base streak to 12 games.

ON THE MOUND

Rich Hill (6-5, 4.23 ERA) is set for the start for Pittsburgh. The southpaw allowed two runs over seven innings in his last start, a 14-7 road win over the Mets on Friday. He got the win, yielding seven hits while striking out six and walking two.

Hill is making his first appearance against the Cubs this season. Hill made one start against the Cubs in 2022, a 6-5 road loss for the Red Sox on July 1. He surrendered three runs on three hits over 4.2 innings, striking out three and walking four.

For Chicago, RHP Stroman (7-4, 2.42 ERA) takes the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Pirates. In his last start on Friday, Stroman got the win on the road against the Giants.

He threw 6.2 innings and gave up two runs on six hits, striking out five and walking four in the 3-2 triumph. The RHP leads the NL in ERA and is tied for fourth in wins.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged 5.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.4. Against right-handed pitchers like Stroman this season, the Bucs have a .724 OPS.

Jack Suwinski is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a 1.044 OPS in 130 at-bats. Chicago is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.4 for the season, with a higher on-base percentage (.342 vs .328).

The Cubs have a .764 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a 1.059 OPS over 49 at-bats, Yan Gomes has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Pittsburgh is 16-16 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.8 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Chicago has gone 17-16 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. Chicago is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Wrigley Field with an average scoreline of 7.2-2.4.