I’ll break down the pick in my Pirates vs Cubs predictions and MLB picks for Sunday, August 17. Pirates vs Cubs best bet: Matt Shaw Over 0.5 RBI (+230) The Chicago Cubs have fallen well behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot in the NL Central, and their lack of offense hasn’t done them any favors.

The Pittsburgh Pirates take a 1-0 advantage into the next game of the series against the Chicago Cubs.

The Pittsburgh Pirates pulled out a 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon to snap a five-game losing streak. Braxton Ashcraft threw five-strong innings for the Pirates and Jack Suwinski hit a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth inning.

Tommy Pham homered and Mike Burrows delivered a solid start, but the Cubs rallied in the eighth inning against Evan Sisk for the win.