The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to face off in the final game of their three-game series on May 1, 2025, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 PM ET, and fans can catch the action live on FuboTV or regional sports networks.
Team Overview
Chicago Cubs
- Record: 18-13 (2nd in NL Central)
- Key Players:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: Leading MLB with 12 stolen bases this season, Crow-Armstrong has been a dynamic force both offensively and defensively.
- Seiya Suzuki: Batting .298 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs, Suzuki has been a consistent contributor to the Cubs’ offense.
- Ian Happ: A reliable hitter, Happ has been productive with a .357 batting average over the last 10 games.
The Cubs boast one of the league’s most potent offenses, ranking 1st in MLB with 181 runs scored and a .263 team batting average. Their lineup is balanced and aggressive, excelling in both power and speed. However, injuries to key pitchers like Justin Steele and Javier Assad have tested their rotation depth.
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Record: 12-19 (5th in NL Central)
- Key Players:
- Oneil Cruz: A standout performer, Cruz leads the Pirates with eight home runs and a .531 slugging percentage.
- Bryan Reynolds: A consistent hitter, Reynolds has been instrumental in driving the Pirates’ offense.
- Ke’Bryan Hayes: Known for his defensive prowess, Hayes has also contributed timely hits in crucial moments.
The Pirates have struggled offensively, ranking 28th in MLB with a .224 team batting average and just 23 home runs. Despite their challenges, they showed resilience in their 4-3 comeback win over the Cubs in Game 2 of the series, snapping a three-game losing streak.
Pitching Matchup
Chicago Cubs: Colin Rea (1-0, 3.86 ERA)
Rea will take the mound for the Cubs, looking to build on his solid start to the season. His ability to navigate high-leverage situations and keep hitters off-balance will be crucial against Pittsburgh’s lineup.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Paul Skenes (3-2, 2.39 ERA)
Skenes, the Pirates’ promising young right-hander, has been impressive this season, with a .190 opponent batting average and 39 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings. He enters this game on a streak of three consecutive quality starts and will aim to shut down Chicago’s high-powered offense.
Key Factors to Watch
- Offensive Firepower: The Cubs lead MLB in hits and runs scored, while the Pirates have struggled to generate consistent offense. Chicago’s ability to exploit Pittsburgh’s pitching will be a deciding factor.
- Pitching Duel: Skenes has been dominant for the Pirates, but Rea’s consistency could give the Cubs an edge. The battle on the mound will set the tone for the game.
- Base Running: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s speed and the Cubs’ aggressive base running (leading MLB with 44 stolen bases) could put pressure on Pittsburgh’s defense.
- Momentum: The Pirates’ comeback win in Game 2 gives them confidence heading into the finale, but the Cubs’ overall depth and offensive firepower make them formidable.
Game Odds
Chicago Cubs 7.5
Pittsburgh Pirates – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, May 1, 2025
