Thu May 01 01:00:00 UTC 2025: **Cubs Face Pirates in Pittsburgh; NBC Sports Offers Betting Insights**

PITTSBURGH, PA – April 29, 2025 – The Chicago Cubs (17-12) will face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-18) tonight at PNC Park. The Cubs, coming off a Monday off-day and a series loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, will send Shota Imanaga (2-1, 3.18 ERA) to the mound. Pittsburgh, returning home after a mixed West Coast road trip (wins against the Angels, losses to the Dodgers), will counter with Andrew Heaney (2-1, 1.72 ERA).

Heaney’s last start saw him shut out the Angels, striking out nine batters, while Imanaga allowed five earned runs in his last outing against the Dodgers. The Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen is on a hot streak, hitting safely in seven of his last eight games.

NBC Sports’ betting model offers these predictions: a moneyline bet on the Cubs (-148), a run-line bet on the Pirates (+1.5), and an over bet on the total runs (8.0). The Cubs are favored, but the model suggests value in betting on the Pirates to keep the game close. Further analysis, including team and player statistics, is available on the NBC Sports website. Remember to gamble responsibly.

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