Mark your calendars for September 3, 2024, as the Pittsburgh Pirates will take on the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Wrigley Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM under a clear sky, setting the stage for an exciting baseball showdown.

In this upcoming duel, Paul Skenes will represent the Pirates on the mound, carrying an impressive 2.229 ERA. However, he faces a challenging adversary in Kyle Hendricks of the Cubs, who will look to improve his current 6.750 ERA. The Pirates, who have faced struggles this season, are currently 12th in the 2024 NL Central standings with a 64-73 record. They’ve won 21 of their divisional games but still find themselves in fifth place within the division. Meanwhile, the Cubs hold eighth place with a slightly better record of 71-67 and have secured 20 divisional victories.

From the betting perspective, the matchup offers intriguing possibilities. The game’s point spread is set at 1.5, suggesting a close contest. The Over/Under for total runs scored is positioned at 6.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair. Bettors eyeing direct outcomes will find the Cubs at a +105 money line, making them slight underdogs at home. Conversely, the visiting Pirates hold a slightly more favored position with a -126 money line. This aligns with the recent form, where the Cubs have won 8 of their last 10 games, compared to the Pirates’ 4 wins. Both teams will be eager to climb their division standings, adding extra weight to this encounter.