Washington Nationals (1-1) vs. Chicago Cubs (1-1)
March 29, 2026 2:20 pm EDT
The Line: Chicago Cubs -252 / Washington Nationals +203; Over/Under: 9.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs meet Sunday in MLB action from Wrigley Field. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs prediction.
Starting Pitching Matchup
The Washington Nationals will send out Jake Irvin for the start here and Irvin was 9-13 with a 5.70 ERA and 124 strikeouts last season. In his last five starts against the Cubs, Irvin is 0-4 with a 9.70 ERA and 17 strikeouts. Shota Imanaga will start for the Cubs here and was 9-8 with a 3.73 ERA and 117 strikeouts last season.
Washington Nationals Recap
The Washington Nationals come into this game looking to bounce back from a 10-2 loss at the hands of the Chicago Cubs last time out to sit at 1-1 this season. After this series, the Nationals will head on the road for a series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Nationals Looking To Bounce Back
Jacob Young and Brady House each have a home run and two RBIs while Nasim Nunez and CJ Abrams each have 2 RBIs as well on the year. James Wood’s logged a solo homer while Joey Wiemer also has 3 hits with a solo home run as well this season.
Why the Washington Nationals will win
- The Nationals have won each of their last four games as underdogs against NL Central opponents following a loss.
- The Cubs have lost six of their last eight games as home favorites against the Nationals following a home win.
- The Cubs have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven home games against NL East opponents following a win.
- The Nationals have covered the run line in eight of their last nine day games at Wrigley Field following a loss.
Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts
- CJ Abrams has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 12 road appearances against NL Central opponents.
- Luis Garcia has hit a home run in four of his last 12 road appearances against NL opponents.
Chicago Cubs Recap
The Chicago Cubs come into this game looking to build on their win over Washington from Saturday to get to 1-1 on the year. After this series, the Cubs will take on the Los Angeles Angels at home.
Cubs Looking To Win Rubber Match
Ian Happ has a home run and a team-high 3 RBIs while Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch each have 4 hits with PCA logging 2 RBIs and Busch adding 2 doubles with an RBI. Miguel Amaya has a pair of hits with an RBI as well this season.
Why the Chicago Cubs will win
- The home team has won seven of the Cubs’ last eight games.
- The Cubs have covered the run line in seven of their last eight games as favorites after playing the previous day.
- The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Cubs’ last six home games against NL East opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Seven of the Nationals’ last eight road games against NL Central opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction
I’m on the Cubs here. Irvin has been getting crushed by the Cubs in his career and I just don’t see him being able to match what Imanaga’s going to crank out in this game. I think the Cubs win the series in emphatic fashion, so give me Chicago here.
