Cubs Take Playoff Push to Pittsburgh: Monday Night at PNC Park
Fresh off taking 2 of 3 from Tampa Bay, the Chicago Cubs (85-64) head to Pittsburgh riding the kind of momentum that championship teams need in September. At 21 games over .500 and firmly in playoff position, we’re facing exactly the type of series we need to handle professionally – on the road against a Pirates team (65-85) that’s long since checked out.
Game Details and Viewing Information
When: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 6:40 PM ET
Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh
TV: MLB Network, SportsNet Pittsburgh, and Marquee Sports Network (MARQ)
Betting Lines Show Cubs Respect
The sportsbooks favor our playoff-bound squad:
Cubs Moneyline: -134
Pirates Moneyline: +113
Run Line: Cubs -1.5
Total Runs: 8.0
Getting -134 on the road shows the market recognizes what we’ve built this season. We’re 53-28 when favored at these odds (65.4% win rate), which demonstrates our ability to take care of business against inferior opponents.
Pitching Matchup: Taillon Goes for Double Digits
Cubs: Jameson Taillon (9-6, 4.15 ERA) seeks his 10th win in his 21st start
Pirates: Braxton Ashcraft (4-2) makes his 7th start of the season
This matchup sets up perfectly for us. Taillon facing his former team provides extra motivation, and he’s been solid all season despite that 4.15 ERA. More importantly, he’s facing the worst offense in baseball – a Pittsburgh lineup that’s managed just 540 runs all season.
Ashcraft has limited MLB experience with only 6 previous starts, which should favor our patient, disciplined approach at the plate. When you’re facing a pitcher still learning his craft at the major league level, you attack early and often.
Offensive Mismatch: Elite vs. Historic Futility
The Numbers Are Staggering: We rank 9th in MLB with 4.9 runs per game while Pittsburgh ranks dead last at 3.6 runs per game. They’ve also hit just 107 home runs (last in MLB) compared to our 200 (8th in MLB). This isn’t just an advantage – it’s a different sport.
Our Playoff-Caliber Lineup:
Nico Hoerner: Leading with a .299 batting average and providing steady table-setting
Pete Crow-Armstrong: Team-high 28 home runs with that dynamic speed-power combination
Seiya Suzuki: Team-leading 91 RBIs and clutch hitting when it matters
Ian Happ: Veteran leadership with excellent plate discipline (.344 OBP)
What makes this lineup special is our contact ability – we rank 4th in MLB with just 7.8 strikeouts per game. Against a young pitcher like Ashcraft, that disciplined approach should create scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Pirates: A Team Playing Out the String
Pittsburgh’s offensive numbers are historically bad – ranking last in runs, home runs, and 28th in batting average (.231). Their best hitter, Bryan Reynolds, is hitting just .242 with 71 RBIs, which tells you everything about their lack of offensive threat.
While their pitching has been respectable (3.88 ERA, 11th in MLB), they’re a team that’s been eliminated from playoff contention for weeks. The motivation factor becomes huge in September when facing a Cubs team that’s building toward October.
PNC Park: Beautiful but Neutral
PNC Park is one of baseball’s most scenic ballparks, but it doesn’t significantly favor hitters or pitchers. That should benefit the team with superior offensive talent – us. Our power numbers and contact ability should translate well to any ballpark environment.
September Baseball: Championship Teams Handle Business
This is exactly the type of series that separates playoff teams from pretenders. We’re 68-40 when favored this season (63% win rate), showing we don’t take games off or assume anything. Pittsburgh is 30-50 when getting +113 or longer odds, which suggests they struggle when expectations are low.
The historical context matters here – championship teams win the games they’re supposed to win, especially on the road in September when every game matters for playoff positioning.
Injury Report Considerations
Both teams are dealing with injury lists, but our depth has allowed us to maintain production despite key absences. Pittsburgh’s limited talent makes their injury issues more problematic, particularly when facing a quality opponent.
Keys to Victory in Pittsburgh
Taillon sets the tone early – Control the strike zone against his former team
Attack Ashcraft’s inexperience – Work counts and get to their bullpen
Crow-Armstrong creates havoc – Our speed-power combo needs to energize the offense
Stay focused despite the mismatch – Don’t overlook a desperate opponent
The Playoff Positioning Context
Every game matters when you’re building toward October. We’re not just trying to make the playoffs – we’re positioning ourselves for the best possible seed and home field advantage. These road series wins against inferior opponents are exactly what championship teams collect in September.
Final Prediction from Wrigleyville
This series opener has all the ingredients for a professional Cubs victory. Taillon facing his former team, our explosive offense against the worst attack in baseball, and a Pirates squad that’s essentially playing exhibition games.
Sometimes baseball is straightforward – the significantly better team with playoff motivation should handle a last-place club that’s been eliminated for weeks. Our track record as favorites supports that expectation.
Predicted Final: Cubs 7, Pirates 2
Best Bet: Cubs -134 moneyline
Value Play: Cubs -1.5 run line
Series Prediction: Cubs sweep or take 2 of 3
Monday night baseball at PNC Park with playoff implications on our side – this is exactly the type of game where championship teams separate themselves from the pack. Time to take care of business and keep building toward October.
Go Cubs Go! Let’s start this road trip the right way and keep our playoff momentum rolling.
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