Ranked as having the best odds to win the World Series by Baseball Reference, the Cubs clinched the season series against the reigning champion Dodgers, and their 9-0 win against the Pirates on Tuesday was their first game all year against a team currently below .500.

Preview the May 1 matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

The Chicago Cubs (18-13) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (12-19) wrap up a 3-game series Thursday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

In corresponding moves, the Cubs transferred right-hander Javier Assad from the 15-day IL to the 60-day and optioned left-handed reliever Tom Cosgrove to Triple-A.

Manager Craig Counsell’s decision paid immediate dividends as Kelly got the scoring started for the Cubs by slugging a two-run homer as he went on to have a three-hit evening during the Cubs’ 9-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.