The Chicago Cubs and the Washington Nationals meet Friday in MLB action from Nationals Park. 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 Chicago Cubs did not have a starting pitcher announced at the time that this article was published. Jake Irvin will get the start for the Nationals here and is 9-10 with a 3.80 ERA and 130 strikeouts this season. This will be Irvin’s second career start against the Nationals.
Chicago Cubs Recap
The Chicago Cubs come into this one looking to build some momentum after ending up with a 14-10 win over the Pirates in Wednesday’s series finale to pull off the sweep. The sweep added to Chicago’s series win streak which includes series wins over the Marlins and Tigers over the last week and a half.
Cubs Trying To Make Last Ditch Playoff Push
Cody Bellinger has 111 hits including 22 doubles, 13 home runs and 55 RBIs. Nico Hoerner has 123 hits, 28 doubles and a .255 batting average. Michael Busch has 16 homers with 50 RBIs but has 143 strikeouts as well this season. Ian Happ also has a team-high 32 doubles with 23 home runs and 74 RBIs but also has 143 strikeouts this season. Seiya Suzuki’s also chipped in 19 homers and 64 RBIs this season.
Why the Chicago Cubs will win
- The Nationals have lost each of their last eight night games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
- The Cubs have won each of their last six night games against National League opponents.
- The Cubs have covered the run line each of their last four night games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
- The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in five of their last six night games against the Cubs following a win.
Washington Nationals Recap
The Washington Nationals come into this one hoping to build on their series win over the New York Yankees after ending up with a 5-2 win in Wednesday’s rubber match. The series win helped the Nats bounce back from their series loss to the Atlanta Braves from last weekend.
Nationals Playing Out The String
CJ Abrams has 119 hits along with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs to go along with 26 doubles, 6 triples and 27 stolen bases. Luis Garcia Jr. has a team-high 123 hits including 22 doubles with 63 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. Jacob Young has 31 stolen bases as well this season.
Why the Washington Nationals will win
- The Nationals have won four of their last five games as home underdogs.
- The Cubs have lost seven of their last eight night games against NL East opponents following a win.
- The Nationals have covered the run line in eight of their last nine games against NL Central opponents.
- The Cubs have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four night games against NL East opponents following a road win.
Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs Prediction
I get the case to be made for the Nationals fresh off of their series win against the mighty Yankees, but the Cubs are in fine form themselves and are looking like a team that has one last run at a playoff spot in them. Jake Irvin has been so inconsistent and in the end, I think the Cubs bats do enough to clutch up and get the win to draw first blood here. Give me Chicago.