Match Preview
The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates continue their three-game National League Central series at PNC Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.
Chicago is expected to start left-hander Shota Imanaga, while Pittsburgh counters with right-hander Paul Skenes. Imanaga enters the matchup with a 6-8 record, a 3.91 ERA and 109 strikeouts. Skenes carries a 9-8 record, a 3.43 ERA and 138 strikeouts into Saturday’s game.
The Cubs won Friday’s series opener 3-2 in 10 innings. Dansby Swanson delivered the go-ahead RBI single before Seiya Suzuki drew a bases-loaded walk that provided an important insurance run. Pittsburgh scored once in the bottom of the 10th but could not complete the comeback.
Chicago has now won four of its previous six games and enters Saturday at 57-45. The Cubs have also gone 27-23 on the road and 20-10 over their previous 30 games, giving them the stronger season-long profile.
However, Saturday’s individual pitching matchup favours Pittsburgh. Skenes owns the lower ERA, the higher strikeout total and the ability to dominate a game without requiring significant offensive support.
The Pirates are the preferred moneyline selection.
Chicago Cubs Analysis
The Cubs demonstrated their resilience in Friday’s opener.
Chicago produced only six hits but remained patient, defended well and capitalized when Pittsburgh’s bullpen created opportunities in extra innings. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his team-leading 22nd home run, while Swanson and Suzuki delivered the decisive plate appearances in the 10th.
That ability to win close games makes Chicago dangerous Saturday, even against an elite starter.
Imanaga gives the Cubs a capable left-handed option who can keep the score manageable. His 3.91 ERA is respectable, and his 109 strikeouts show that he can generate enough swings and misses to escape difficult situations.
The larger challenge will be producing offence against Skenes.
Chicago must remain patient and avoid allowing Pittsburgh’s ace to work through quick innings. Skenes becomes especially difficult to hit when opponents chase his breaking pitches outside the strike zone or fall behind early in counts.
The Cubs should focus on increasing his pitch total, drawing walks and creating pressure whenever they place a runner on base. They may not receive many scoring opportunities, so execution with runners in scoring position will be critical.
Chicago’s bullpen was effective Friday, but the extra-inning game required several relievers. Caleb Thielbar worked a perfect ninth before Gavin Hollowell handled the 10th. That usage could become important if Imanaga cannot pitch deep into Saturday’s game.
Pittsburgh Pirates Analysis
Skenes is the primary reason to support Pittsburgh.
The right-hander enters with 138 strikeouts, nearly 30 more than Imanaga, and a lower season ERA. His combination of velocity, command and swing-and-miss ability gives the Pirates an opportunity to control the game from the opening inning.
Pittsburgh officially lined Skenes up for the second game of the series, giving the Pirates their best chance to respond after Friday’s narrow loss.
The Pirates still need to provide him with some offensive support.
Friday’s performance showed the problem. Pittsburgh created early opportunities and received an RBI single from Henry Davis, but the lineup failed to produce enough additional offence to protect the lead. The Pirates were eventually forced into extra innings, where the bullpen surrendered two runs.
Saturday’s matchup against Imanaga should give Pittsburgh a realistic chance to score three or four runs. The Pirates should look to attack mistakes from the left-hander and avoid becoming overly dependent on home runs.
Pittsburgh also benefits from playing at PNC Park. With Skenes on the mound, the home crowd should create additional energy in a game the Pirates need to avoid falling behind 0-2 in the series.
The bullpen must respond after Friday’s defeat. Yohan Ramirez was charged with the loss after allowing both Chicago runs in the 10th inning. Pittsburgh will need cleaner late-inning execution if Saturday remains close.
Why We Like This Pick
Chicago is the stronger overall team, but Pittsburgh has the best individual player in Saturday’s matchup.
Skenes has the lower ERA, the better strikeout numbers and the ability to neutralize a Cubs lineup that produced only six hits Friday. His presence significantly raises Pittsburgh’s floor and reduces the amount of offence the Pirates should need to win.
Imanaga is capable of keeping Chicago competitive, so this is not an easy selection. The Cubs have also played well on the road and have consistently found ways to win close games.
However, the Pirates should be highly motivated after losing the opener in extra innings. With Skenes starting at home, Pittsburgh has its clearest opportunity to even the series.
The moneyline is the preferred approach because the quality of both starting pitchers should keep the final margin narrow.
Final Prediction
Expect Skenes and Imanaga to control the opening innings, with scoring opportunities limited on both sides.
Chicago should remain competitive, but Skenes’ strikeout ability and Pittsburgh’s home-field advantage should allow the Pirates to protect a narrow lead. The Pirates bullpen should respond after Friday’s difficult finish and secure the series-tying victory.
Final Score Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates 3, Chicago Cubs 2
Official FirePicksHQ Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates Moneyline