Pirates vs. Cubs live stream is here to continue the MLB 2021 season that just began, with the best and worst of last year's NL Central Division. While Pittsburgh tries for about face starting with this MLB live stream, Chicago will look for more of the same.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off a season in which they were the worst team in the big leagues and finished last year's 60-game shortened season with just 19 wins. They were the only team in baseball to fail to reach 20 wins. Unfortunately for the franchise and its fans, this year's Buccos are expected to be more of the same, but there is a glimmer of hope.

Kebrian Hayes took the majors by storm in 24 games last season. The 24-year-old third baseman is currently batting .376 with a .442 on-base percentage, and if he continues to produce like this, he could win the rookie of the year award by season's end.

The Cubs are coming off a season in which they were the best team in a very tough division. Last year, four of the five NL Central teams made the playoffs and the Cubs led the pack. This year, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Anthony Rizzo are expected to improve their offense.

Kyle Hendricks will start for the Cubs against the Pirates' Chad Kuhl at Wrigley. Hendricks is entering his eighth season with the Cubs and pitched solidly last season; the 31-year-old right-hander posted a 6-5 record and a 2.88 ERA in 2020. Kuhl is very different from that. He's coming off a season in which he posted just two wins and a 4.27 ERA in nine starts.

OK, somehow you're traveling right now, or suffering from the dreaded local blackout - and you can't watch Pirates vs. Cubs. With a virtual private network, or VPN, you can pretend you're surfing the web from your hometown (or anywhere else not hit by a blackout) and access the same streaming services you've already paid for.

Not sure which VPN is right for you? After testing a variety of services, the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN. It offers great speed and excellent customer service. However, there are other VPN options out there. Here are our top picks.

In the U.S., the live stream of Pirates vs. Cubs begins at 2:20 p.m. ET / 11:20 a.m. PT on Thursday, April 1, as it will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and SportsNet Pittsburgh. Sports Network on AT&T TV and SportsNet Pittsburgh on Fubo TV. How do I get around the regional restrictions? Express VPNs are a great way to get around blackouts.

MLB.TV ($25/month/$129/year) also streams out-of-market games, but is not a perfect solution if you want to watch something other than baseball; T-Mobile customers can get MLB. TV for free.

BT Sport has MLB broadcast rights in the UK until 2022, but this game is not included in that roster. Those who visit the UK and strike out while trying to use the service they pay for can check out Express VPN.

Alternatively, another bet is MLB.TV, also available in the UK. For about 50 pounds per month, it has zero blackout rules.

In Canada, you need MLB.TV to watch Pirates vs. Cubs, as TSN and SportsNet do not have the game. However, if you are considering subscribing, be aware that the Blue Jays are subject to the blackout.

If you are visiting Canada from abroad, a VPN such as Express VPN will allow you to use the streaming service you have already paid for.