As the MLB regular season rolls on, the Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs encounter is a key National League Central clash. The Cubs are looking to maintain their momentum and stay at the top of the standings, while the Pirates aim to recover and build consistency at home.
Match Details
| Match | Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, April 29, 2025 |
| Time | 6:40 PM ET |
| Venue | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Competition | MLB Regular Season |
Head-to-Head Record
| Total Meetings | Pirates Wins | Cubs Wins | Draws | Last Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,608 | 1,234 | 1,374 | 0 | Cubs 5–2 Pirates (Sep 4, 2024) |
Insight: The Cubs have historically dominated this rivalry, though many recent games have been closely contested.
Team Form and Standings
| Team | Position (Division) | Record | Last 5 Matches | Last Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 5th (NL Central) | 11–18 | L-W-W-L-L | Lost 3–4 vs Dodgers |
| Chicago Cubs | 1st (NL Central) | 17–12 | W-L-W-L-L | Lost 2–3 vs Phillies |
Analysis: The Cubs sit atop the NL Central, thanks to a strong lineup and disciplined bullpen, while the Pirates are searching for consistency in both hitting and relief pitching.
Key Players to Watch
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Oneil Cruz – Power-hitting shortstop leading the team in home runs and RBIs.
- Andrew Heaney – Reliable starter with a solid ERA and impressive strikeout count.
- Andrew McCutchen – Veteran leader who still delivers clutch at-bats.
Chicago Cubs
- Shōta Imanaga – Efficient starter with good command and an excellent record vs the Pirates.
- Kyle Tucker – Power threat and RBI machine anchoring the Cubs’ offense.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong – Speedster leading MLB in stolen bases, adds energy to the lineup.
Tactical Preview
| Team | Formation/Lineup Approach | Style of Play | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Pirates | Traditional NL lineup | Power and small-ball mix | Starting pitching, experience | Bullpen inconsistency |
| Chicago Cubs | Balanced batting order | Aggressive and fast-paced | Baserunning, offensive depth | Occasional defensive lapses |
Tactical Insight: Expect the Pirates to rely on strong starting pitching and home-field energy. The Cubs will focus on capitalizing on scoring chances early, using their speed to pressure the defense.
Predictions
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Full-Time Score | Pirates 3–5 Cubs |
| First Home Run Scorer | Kyle Tucker (Cubs) |
| Total Runs | Under 9.0 |
| Possession/Momentum | Cubs edge early innings |
| Man of the Match | Shōta Imanaga (Cubs) |
Match Insight: With strong arms on the mound and power hitters in both dugouts, this matchup could hinge on bullpen depth and late-game discipline.
How to Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs
| Region | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| United States | SportsNet Pittsburgh / Marquee Sports |
| Canada | Sportsnet |
| United Kingdom | BT Sport |
| India | MLB.tv |
| International | MLB.tv / Check local listings |
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
