Preview the May 1 matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

The Cubs won the series opener, 9-0 yesterday behind 5.0 innings from Shota Imanaga and four different players hitting a homer. The Pirates didn’t get a runner in scoring position until the fifth inning and the bullpen could be taxed after using five relief pitchers because Andrew Heaney failed to reach 5.0 innings.

The Chicago Cubs (18-13) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (12-19) wrap up a 3-game series Thursday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Manager Craig Counsell’s decision paid immediate dividends as Kelly got the scoring started for the Cubs by slugging a two-run homer as he went on to have a three-hit evening during the Cubs’ 9-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

Ranked as having the best odds to win the World Series by Baseball Reference, the Cubs clinched the season series against the reigning champion Dodgers, and their 9-0 win against the Pirates on Tuesday was their first game all year against a team currently below .