The Washington Nationals will try to avoid losing their fourth straight game when they play host to the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park. NBC Sports Chicago is in line to broadcast this NL showdown. The first pitch will be at 7:05 p.m. ET.
Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals Odds
Oddsmakers have listed Washington (+125) as the underdog to Chicago (-135). The total sits at nine runs and bettors can wager on the over for -120 and the under for +100. You can also bet on the game’s spread with the most recent runline odds sitting at Cubs -1.5 runs (+110) and Nationals +1.5 runs (-130).
The Cubs are 83-57 SU and have gone 71-68 against the spread (ATS). The team hasn’t moved the needle very 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 over has hit in four of those seven. The Nationals, on the other hand, are 69-72 SU and 63-77 ATS. The team’s lost 27.8 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 17.5 units ATS. Washington has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games and the over has hit in five of those seven.
Washington games have a 63-74-3 over/under record in 2018. Chicago has also been a good under bet with a total record of 62-74-3.
Jon Lester will get the nod for the visiting Cubs. The left-handed Lester is 15-5 with a 3.53 ERA and 126 strikeouts. He’s 0-1 with five strikeouts and a 19.64 ERA against Washington this year.
The Nationals are sending Joe Ross to the mound. This game represents the first MLB start of the season for the right-handed Ross.
Washington’s pitching staff has given up 4.2 runs per game overall this season as a unit. 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.
The Washington offense is putting up 4.6 runs per outing, including 4.8 per game over its last 10 games and 5.2 per game over its last five. The team’s hit .283/.374/.433 over its last five games and is 1-4 SU during that span.
The Nationals’ batters have been led by shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Anthony Rendon. Turner is hitting .271/.340/.412 with 17 home runs, 59 RBIs, 86 runs and 35 stolen bases, and Rendon is batting .297 with 18 homers, 68 RBIs and 69 runs.
In the other dugout, Chicago’s pitching staff 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 K/9 of 8.72.
Cubs hitters have slashed .263/.341/.422 on their way to 4.8 runs scored per game this season, 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).
Chicago’s offensive production has been fueled by second baseman Javier Baez and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who’ve collectively blasted 54 home runs. Baez is hitting .295/.326/.568 with 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, 88 runs and 21 stolen bases, while Rizzo is hitting .286/.382/.489 with 24 homers, 91 RBIs and 66 runs scored.
The Cubs have gained 1.4 units and are 55-54 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher this year. The over has cashed in 47 of those games, compared to 59 that’ve hit the 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.
Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals MLB Tip
Predictions: SU Winner – Cubs, ATS Winner – Cubs, O/U – OVER
