Chicago at Pittsburgh

The Cubbies were a public team in the second half last season and even more so this year. They've lost two of the last six as favorites of -165 and -210, including yesterday to the Braves in extra innings. They also got bombed 13-5 at Cincinnati as chalk, and this is their eighth road game in the last 14 contests. Starter Jason Hammel didn't have much success against the Pirates last season at 1-2 allowing 22 hits in 20 innings for a 4.35 ERA. Over the last three years, he is 3-4 against Pittsburgh with a 3.88 ERA. Pittsburgh is fourth in baseball in runs scored and tops in on base percentage at a dazzling .375 clip. The Pirates have a strong bullpen, too, 13-0 when leading after six innings. The Pirates are on a 51-24 run at home, including 37-15 at home against a right-handed starter. Pirates' righty Gerrit Cole (2.78 ERA) has put together three straight quality starts and picked up the win in each of his last two outings. Cole has been dominant against the Cubs, going 7-1 with a 2.88 ERA in nine career meetings. The Pirates are 36-15 in his last 51 starts, including 20-6 at home. Back Pittsburgh.