Cubs vs. Pirates prediction and odds for Sunday, Aug. 27 (Bet the UNDER)

The Chicago Cubs will play one of their more pivotal games of the season on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

They're holding on to a slim lead in the NL Wild Card hunt, but a series win against the Pirates is going to be absolutely crucial for them to hold on to that spot. If they can't get it done and they end up missing out on the playoffs, they may look back to today's game as one that they let get away.

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Now, let's dive into the odds for today's crucial matchup.

Cubs vs. Pirates odds, run line, and total

Cubs vs. Pirates prediction and pick

Let's start with the positive. Javier Assad has been fantastic for the Cubs since taking over as a starter. He sports a 2.70 ERA in his last four starts and I expect more of the same from him today when he and the Cubs take on the lowly Pirates offense.

Now, we have to also look at the negative and that's the Cubs production against left-handed pitchers. Since the All-Star Break, they have had the second best OPS in baseball against right-handed pitchers with a mark of .852. Unfortunately, that number drops all the way down to .702 when facing left-handed pitchers.

Today, they'll face a lefty in Bailey Falter, whose 4.53 ERA may not be much to write home about, but he should feel confident against this Cubs rotation based on their splits vs. lefties.

Let's go ahead and take the UNDER in this one in what may just end up being a defensive battle.