The Chicago Cubs will be taking on the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. NBC Sports Chicago will broadcast this NL showdown and the first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals Odds
Washington (+125) is the underdog against Chicago (-135) and Vegas has put the Over/Under for this night game at nine runs. Odds for betting on the game’s total stand at -120 for the over and +100 for the under. The game’s most recent runline odds stand at +110 for taking the Cubs -1.5 runs and -130 for the Nationals +1.5.
The Cubs are 83-57 SU and are 71-68 against the spread (ATS). The team hasn’t moved the needle much this year, gaining 4.4 units for moneyline bettors and 2.9 units ATS. Chicago has covered the spread five times in its last seven games and the total has gone over in four of those seven. The Nationals, on the other hand, are 69-72 SU and 63-77 ATS. They’ve lost 27.8 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 17.5 units ATS. Washington hasn’t covered the spread in any of its last seven games and the total has gone over in five of those seven.
Nationals games have an over/under record of 63-74-3 in 2018. The Cubs have also been a good under bet with a total record of 62-74-3.
The southpaw Jon Lester will get the start for the visiting Cubs. Lester (15-5, 3.53 ERA) has recorded 126 strikeouts in 158 innings so far. He’s 0-1 with five strikeouts and a 19.64 ERA against Washington this year.
The Nationals are giving Joe Ross a chance to show what he’s got. This game represents the first MLB start of the year for the right-handed Ross.
Chicago’s pitchers have allowed 4.0 runs per game and its starters own a 3.92 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 7.69 K/9. The bullpen has managed an ERA of 3.33, along with a WHIP of 1.35.
Cubs hitters have slashed .263/.341/.422 on their way to 4.8 runs scored per game this year, including 4.2 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 4.8 per game over the team’s last five outings (3-2 SU).
Second baseman Javier Baez and first baseman Anthony Rizzo continue to lead Chicago’s hitters. Baez is slashing .295/.326/.568 with 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, 88 runs and 21 stolen bases, while Rizzo (.286/.382/.489) has produced 24 homers, 91 RBIs and 66 runs scored.
For the home team, Washington’s pitchers have given up 4.2 runs per game overall in 2018. Its starters have a 4.04 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings. The bullpen has a 3.98 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 8.5 K/9.
Washington’s hitters are putting up 4.6 runs per contest, including 4.8 per game over its last 10 games and 5.2 per game over their last five. The team’s hit .283/.374/.433 over its last five matchups and is 1-4 SU during that span.
Shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Anthony Rendon have led the Nationals’ hitters this year. Turner is hitting .271/.340/.412 with 17 home runs, 59 RBIs, 86 runs and 35 stolen bases, while Rendon’s line is .297/.359/.502 with 18 homers, 68 RBIs and 69 runs.
The Cubs have gained 1.4 units and are 55-54 ATS when facing a righty starter this season. The over has hit in 47 of those games, compared to 59 that’ve gone under in such games. On the other hand, the Nationals have lost 18.6 units and are 14-23 ATS when facing a lefty starter. The over’s hit in 17 of those games, compared to 19 that went under the total.
Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals MLB Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Cubs, ATS Winner – Cubs, O/U – OVER
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Notes
Betting Trends
The over has cashed in five of Washington’s last seven games.
The Nationals have dropped four of their last five games SU.
Chicago has recorded 21.4 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 outings and 22.4 over its last five.
Both teams have hit 10 home runs over their last 10 games.
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