Cubs vs Pirates Prediction 13 September 2026
📡 The Cubs have turned this series into a strong response after their four-game skid. Following a 12-2 blowout on Saturday, Chicago took a very different contest on Sunday, edging out a 4-3 win after rallying in the eighth inning against Pittsburgh’s bullpen. Now, the hosts have a chance to complete the sweep. The starting matchup-Matthew Boyd versus Bubba Chandler-appears fairly even on paper, so once again, the Cubs’ edge could come into play in the later innings.
Head-to-Head
📊 Following back-to-back wins, the Cubs have now claimed victory in 7 of their last 10 head-to-head matchups. During this stretch, they've posted scores like 11-0, 10-4, and the recent 12-2 blowout. Pittsburgh can keep individual games close, but in recent series, it's Chicago who have consistently found that late, decisive inning.
Head-to-head statistics Cubs - Pirates
Chicago Cubs Team Overview
The Cubs have improved to 83-66 and are riding a two-game winning streak. On Saturday, Michael Busch and Pedro Ramirez both homered off Paul Skenes, and later the team clinched the game against Pittsburgh without relying on the long ball-two runs in the eighth inning came courtesy of walks, a hit-by-pitch, and disciplined at-bats. That’s an encouraging sign heading into September: Chicago are showing they can win both blowouts like 12-2 and tight contests like 4-3.
Match Results: Chicago Cubs
Pittsburgh Pirates Team Overview
The Pirates have dropped to 74-75 after back-to-back losses ended their four-game winning streak. Skins did his part on Saturday, going seven innings and allowing just two runs, but the relievers couldn’t hold onto a 3-2 lead. Ryan O’Hearn returned from the injured list and immediately launched a three-run homer, but the rest of the offense remained quiet for most of the night.
Match Results: Pittsburgh Pirates
⚾ Starting Pitchers
Matthew Boyd gets the nod for the home side - he’s 8-4 with a 4.03 ERA and 86 strikeouts. While his season hasn’t been dominant, the Cubs consistently provide him with solid run support, and their bullpen is well-rested after the starters handled heavy workloads earlier in the series.
Bubba Chandler takes the mound for the visitors - he’s 7-9 with a 4.25 ERA and 129 strikeouts. Chandler has the ability to rack up strikeouts, but he’ll be up against a Cubs lineup that has found ways to score in back-to-back games, showing versatility at the plate.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
Chicago have already claimed the first two games of the series, 12-2 and 4-3, extending their recent head-to-head advantage to 7-3. Saturday’s win was especially significant, coming against Skenes-one of the league’s top pitchers-as the Cubs weathered a strong start and then punished the relievers. Boyd and Chandler post similar numbers this season, so once again, roster depth and late-game execution could prove decisive. On home turf, Chicago have been making the most of these matchups. We’re backing a Chicago Cubs win.
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Betting Tips: Chicago Cubs - Pittsburgh Pirates
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