Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs Prediction: Pirates should edge in this opener

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs open a three game series at the PNC Park. Which team picks the win in this opening game?

Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off a series against the Los Angeles Angels, and in that series, Pittsburgh Pirates lost. In game one, the Pittsburgh Pirates took a 4-1 win and then went on to lose the last two games 0-9 and 4-5; however, in the prior series, the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Colorado Rockies and then lost to the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants. The Pittsburgh Pirates have a 17-21 record this season and are seated 10th in the National League standings.

Chicago Cubs are coming off a series over the San Diego Padres. In that series, the Chicago Cubs lost 3-6 and 0-3 in games one and three, with their lone win being a 3-2 win in game 2. However, the prior series to that defeat saw the Chicago Cubs defeat the Milwaukee Brewers and then lose to the New York Mets. This season, the Chicago Cubs have a 22-16 record and are seated 5th spot in the National League.

The two teams have issues at the moment, and they need to step up. Despite this, looking at the two teams pitching starters, I feel this will be a high-scoring game. Also, while the Pirates are at home, I expect them to start the series with a win as favorites.