We feel pretty confident that Paul Skenes is going to outpitch Cade Horton this afternoon at Wrigley Field. Now, can the Bucs translate that into a win? Skenes has an 0.57 ERA in two June starts, and a 1.36 ERA his last nine starts. On the road this season, his ERA is 1.19. Horton? The Cubs did win his first five starts, mostly because they scored plenty of runs, but Horton faltered in his last outing, allowing 4 runs and seven hits across just 5 IP in last Sunday's loss to the Tigers. Skenes on the mound is the one scenario in which we don't mind backing the Pirates on the road! Play Pirates on the Money Line.

Do I love this? No. But a Cubs Friday matinee, well that's when I know it's the weekend. Time for pool, a brew and Ryne Sandberg to homer twice. I may be showing my age. Paul Skenes is obviously awesome, and I'll touch on this in today's newsletter, but Pittsburgh's offense is so bad. I think we need to take Cubs +1.5 at home when we can similar to Yankees, Dodgers and maybe 1-2 others as it's fairly rare. And the Cubs have seen Skenes plenty.