The Pirates look to complete their first three-game sweep at Wrigley Field in a decade Sunday when they try for their eighth straight win over their NL Central rivals.

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?

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.



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