Full Breakdown
Cubs and Pirates Kick Off 2026 Series at Wrigley Field
4/10/2026, 10:10:03 PM
Matchup Overview
The Chicago Cubs (6-6) are set to host the Pittsburgh Pirates (7-5) for the first game of a three-game series on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Wrigley Field, with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 PM ET. This matchup marks the beginning of divisional play for the Cubs, who are coming off a series victory against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Cubs are slight favorites, with a moneyline of -143, while the Pirates are at +120.
Starting Pitchers
The Cubs will send left-hander Shota Imanaga (0-1, 4.50 ERA) to the mound. Imanaga has historically performed well against the Pirates, holding a 2-0 record with a remarkable 0.35 ERA over 26 innings in four starts. In contrast, the Pirates will counter with right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski (0-0, 4.00 ERA), who has shown potential but has struggled to pitch deep into games. Mlodzinski has a career 1.38 ERA against the Cubs, but his recent performances have raised concerns about his consistency.
Recent Performance
Both teams enter this series with mixed results. The Cubs have alternated wins and losses in their first nine games but recently secured two consecutive victories. The Pirates, after a five-game winning streak, dropped two of three games to the San Diego Padres, including a significant 8-2 loss in their last outing. The Cubs dominated the Pirates in their previous season series, winning 10 of 13 matchups.
Key Players
For the Cubs, second baseman Nico Hoerner has been a standout performer, boasting a .366 batting average with runners in scoring position since last season. Ian Happ, who is expected to return from a heel injury, adds depth to the lineup. The Pirates will look to their young talent, including shortstop Konnor Griffin, who recently signed a seven-year extension but has struggled early in his career.
Weather and Game Conditions
Weather conditions at Wrigley Field are expected to be chilly, with winds blowing in, which could impact offensive production. Historically, games played under similar conditions tend to favor pitchers, suggesting a potential low-scoring affair.
Betting Insights
The over/under for this matchup is set at 6.5 runs, reflecting expectations for a tightly contested game. Recent trends indicate that the total has gone over in five of the Cubs' last six Friday games, while the Cubs have a strong record in day games.
Conclusion
As the Cubs and Pirates prepare to face off, both teams will be looking to establish momentum early in the season. With Imanaga's strong track record against Pittsburgh and the Cubs' home-field advantage, Chicago appears well-positioned to secure a victory. However, the Pirates' potential to surprise with their young talent keeps the outcome uncertain. Fans can catch the game live on Marquee Sports Network and SportsNet Pittsburgh, or stream it via Fubo.
