Free MLB Picks - Cubs at Pirates MLB Odds: The Chicago Cubs picked up a win to begin their three games series with Pittsburgh on Monday and will look for a second straight win when play resumes Tuesday at the Pirates home field, PNC-Park. The Pirates, last in the National League Central Division, are trying to hang on in the divisional race and are only six games back of the division leading Milwaukee Brewers while the Cubs are only 3.5-games back in the standings.

The Cubs will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Ted Lilly in this game. Lilly has a 7-5 record and a 3.41 ERA this season. Meanwhile, it will be Ross Ohlendorf who starts for the Pirates. The righthander is 6-6 with a 4.75 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers at Bodog.com currently have the Cubs listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Pirates, while the game'total is holding at 8-runs.

Lilly gave up a season high in hits and runs in his last start, against the Tigers, serving up six runs on 10 hits over six innings. The 10 hits Lilly allowed matched his career high, or low, depending on how you look at it. He was glad to see Interleague Play end. Lilly was 0-1 with two no-decisions against American League teams and has not faced the Pirates yet this season.

Ohlendorf got a no-decision in his last start, when he pitched seven innings and surrendered two runs on five hits. It was his longest outing since he threw 7 2/3 innings on May 23. Ohlendorf has lost three of his past four decisions. Despite playing in the same division as the Cubs, the right-hander hasn't faced them in his career. Ohlendorf is 4-2 at home this season.

Rich Harden allowed one run over seven innings to earn the win, as the Cubs stifled the Pirates 3-1 on Monday night. Chicago cashed as -105 road underdogs as the game played UNDER the 8-run total set by oddsmakers. Ryan Theriot homered for the Cubs, while Milton Bradley went 2-for-4 with a run batted in for Chicago.

Jack Wilson drove in the lone run for Pittsburgh, as Zach Duke gave up three runs over seven innings to take the loss for the Pirates.

Free MLB Pick: Take the Bucs as a home moneyline underdog (+117). He is a good pitcher and the Cubs have never seen him.