Matchday: Friday, June 13, 2025
First Pitch: 2:20 PM ET
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Broadcast: MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh
Overview: Pirates vs. Cubs – NL Central Rivalry at Wrigley Field
The Chicago Cubs (42-27) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (28-42) in the second game of their four-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs secured a 3-2 victory in Game 1, powered by Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 18th home run of the season and Seiya Suzuki’s 17th.
Chicago has been dominant at home, boasting a 21-11 record at Wrigley Field, while Pittsburgh has struggled on the road, going 9-23 away from PNC Park.
Chicago Cubs: Home Dominance & Power Hitting
The Cubs have been one of the most consistent teams in MLB, ranking third in batting average (.258) and fourth in slugging percentage (.443). Their lineup features power hitters like Crow-Armstrong and Suzuki, who have combined for 35 home runs this season.
Key Players to Watch:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong – 18 HR, 5th in MLB in RBI
- Seiya Suzuki – 17 HR, .273 AVG; riding a three-game hitting streak
- Kyle Tucker – .274 AVG, 12 doubles, 4 triples, 13 HR
Starting Pitcher:
- Cade Horton (3-1, 4.11 ERA, 25 K) – Making his sixth start of the season
Injury Report:
- Out: Miguel Amaya (oblique), Porter Hodge (oblique), Eli Morgan (elbow), Shota Imanaga (leg), Javier Assad (oblique), Justin Steele (elbow)
Pittsburgh Pirates: Seeking a Road Upset
The Pirates have been inconsistent but are showing signs of improvement, winning five of their last seven games. Paul Skenes, their ace, will take the mound, looking to silence Chicago’s bats.
Key Players to Watch:
- Oneil Cruz – 13 HR, 10 doubles, 29 RBI; Pirates’ biggest offensive threat
- Andrew McCutchen – .263 AVG, 2 HR in his last 10 games
- Bryan Reynolds – 8 HR, 39 RBI; key run producer
Starting Pitcher:
- Paul Skenes (4-6, 3.79 ERA, 67 K) – Looking to bounce back after a tough outing
Injury Report:
- Out: Endy Rodríguez (elbow), Joey Bart (concussion), Colin Holderman (thumb), Enmanuel Valdez (shoulder), Justin Lawrence (elbow)
Head-to-Head: Pirates vs. Cubs
- Season Series: Cubs lead 3-1
- Last Meeting: Cubs 3-2 Pirates (June 12, 2025)
- At Wrigley Field: Cubs are 21-11 at home
Tactical Breakdown & Prediction
The Cubs will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage, relying on Horton’s pitching and their power-hitting lineup. The Pirates, meanwhile, must find ways to manufacture runs and avoid falling behind early.
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Pirates 7
Chicago Cubs – 112
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 12, 2025
