Sunday MLB Betting Action – Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates will end their MLB betting series on Sunday and with both teams in dire need of some wins, it’s sure to be a dogfight. The pitchers for Sunday’s matchup are in the same boat, with Ted Lilly standing as a one-win veteran, and Ross Ohlendorf still searching for his first. It’s easy to side with a veteran at home against another fledgling contender, but is it really that cut and dry?

Ohlendorf returned to MLB betting action after a back injury kept him out of the rotation for most of April. In his return he last just 4.0 innings, giving up 3 hits and 1 earned run and the main reason he was yanked was to ensure that he didn’t reinjure his back. I’m sure the fact his pitch count getting out of control had something to do with it too. He threw 84 pitches in that game.

As the series opens, the Pirates hold a 5-0 SU record when playing the Cubs. It’s tough to say where this series will be when Sunday arrives, but Chicago hasn’t won its past three series, and have won just one game against Cincinnati in series losses to Pittsburgh, Florida and Cincinnati.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs
Sunday, May 16th — Wrigley Field — 2:20pm EST
MLB Pitching Matchup – Ross Ohlendorf (R) / Ted Lilly (L)

Ted Lilly has definitely seen better seasons. Lilly got a late start this year, debuting on April 24th in a win against Milwaukee. In four starts, it’s been his only victory as Lilly and the Cubs have gone 0-3 SU in his past three games. He’s allowed 24 hits and 14 runs in just 24.0 innings thus far and is having trouble finding his handle.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are much better than they have been in years past, and Lilly struggled against them last year. He went just 1-2 SU in three starts, allowing a 3.60 ERA.

Where To Watch: FSPI, WGN

Familiarity with opponents has a lot to do with early season wins in MLB betting. The Pirates have done admirably against Chicago this year so far, and are still looking for their first series win since sweeping them earlier this month. The Cubs may not simply hand it to them, but if this series goes in to Sunday with a tie, I am not confident in Lilly’s ability to close out the series for the home team.

Maybe I like Ohlendorf a little too much, but I expect him to settle in to a groove after pitching lightly to start the season. That’s why Pittsburgh is getting my early forecast vote.

Furious MLB Betting Pick – Pittsburgh RL and ML (UNDER 9.0)