The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to challenge the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Wrigley Field on September 3, 2024, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM under a clear sky. The starting pitcher for the Pirates will be Paul Skenes, who holds an impressive ERA of 2.229. In contrast, the Cubs will counter with Kyle Hendricks, whose current ERA stands at 6.750.

In the race for the 2024 NL Central Division standings, the Pirates find themselves in 12th place with a record of 64-73, while the Cubs are positioned better at 8th with a 71-67 record. Despite recent struggles, the Pirates have won four of their last 10 games and hold a winning streak of one game. The Cubs, on the other hand, have been more successful recently with eight wins in their last 10 games but are coming off a loss.

As betting enthusiasts look ahead to the game, the odds indicate a tight contest. The point spread is set at 1.5, indicating expectation of a closely contested game. The Over/Under is pegged at 6.5, hinting at expectations of a defensive battle or strong pitching from both sides. For those betting on the moneyline, the Pirates are the slight favorites at -126, while the home side Cubs are valued at +105. These odds suggest a competitive game, potentially swaying more in favor of the visiting Pirates, given their recent form and pitching advantage.