The Chicago Cubs are ready to take on the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET and NBC Sports Chicago is in line to broadcast this NL showdown.
Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals Odds
Chicago (-115) is entering this one as the favorite against Washington (+105) and oddsmakers have put the Over/Under for this afternoon game at 9.5 runs (-110 for the over and -110 for the under). Bettors can also wager on the game’s spread with the runline odds standing at +130 for the Cubs -1.5 runs and -150 for the Nationals +1.5 runs.
The Nationals are 71-72 straight up (SU) and 63-78 against the spread (ATS). They’ve lost 28.9 units for moneyline bettors and 18.5 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. The Cubs have gone 83-59 SU this year and are 72-68 ATS. Overall, the team’s gained 5.4 units for gamblers taking the moneyline and 3.9 units ATS. Chicago has covered the spread five times in its last seven games and the over has hit in four of those seven.
Washington games have an over/under record of 64-74-3 in 2018. Chicago has also been a decent under bet with a total record of 63-74-3.
The southpaw Mike Montgomery is projected to start for Chicago. Montgomery (4-5, 3.85 ERA) has racked up 72 strikeouts in 107.2 innings so far. He’s 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA against Washington this year.
The Nationals are putting the ball in the right hand of Erick Fedde (1-3, 6.00 ERA), who’s got 26 punchouts and 11 walks as well as a 1.58 WHIP. Fedde has yet to face the Cubs this year and only made one start against them in 2017 (0-0, 6.75 ERA and seven strikeouts across 5.1 innings).
As a unit, Washington’s pitchers have given up 4.2 runs per game overall in 2018. The club’s starters have an ERA of 4.06, a WHIP of 1.24 and a strikeouts-per-nine of 8.9. The bullpen has a 3.96 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 8.5 K/9.
Washington’s hitters are putting up 4.7 runs per contest, including 5.4 per game over its last 10 games and 6.8 per game over their last five. The team has slashed .278/.386/.426 over its last five contests and is 2-3 SU during that stretch.
Shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Anthony Rendon have led the Nationals’ hitters this year. Turner is slashing .269/.340/.408 with 17 home runs, 61 RBIs, 89 runs and 37 stolen bases, while Rendon’s line is .298/.358/.508 with 19 homers, 71 RBIs and 72 runs.
In the visiting dugout, Chicago’s pitchers have allowed 4.0 runs per game and its starting pitchers own a 3.96 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 7.70 K/9. The bullpen has managed an ERA of 3.39, along with a WHIP of 1.36.
Cubs hitters have slashed .263/.341/.420 on their way to 4.8 runs scored per game this year, including 4.5 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 4.2 per game over the team’s last five contests (2-3 SU).
Chicago’s hitters have been paced by second baseman Javier Baez and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who’ve collectively blasted 54 home runs. Baez is slashing .294/.325/.566 with 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, 89 runs and 21 stolen bases, while Rizzo (.284/.381/.485) is up to 24 homers, 91 RBIs and 66 runs scored.
The Cubs have gained 2.4 units and are 56-54 ATS when facing a righty starter this season. The over has cashed in 48 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 left-handed starting pitcher. The over has hit in 17 of those games, compared to 19 which went under the total.
Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals Free MLB Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Nationals, ATS Winner – Nationals, O/U – OVER
Betting Notes
- The over has hit in four of Chicago’s last seven outings.
- The Chicago defense has allowed six errors over its last five games, compared to two errors for Washington over its last five.
- Each team has hit 10 home runs over its last 10 games.
