The red-hot Washington Nationals are going for their sixth win in a row as they play host to the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park. NBC Sports Chicago will broadcast this NL showdown and the game is scheduled to get underway at 4:05 p.m. ET.
Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals Odds
Both teams have equal moneyline odds (-105) and oddsmakers have the Over/Under for this one at 9 runs. The odds for betting on the game’s total sit at -125 for the over and +105 for the under. The game’s current runline odds stand at +140 for taking the Cubs -1.5 runs and -160 for the Nationals +1.5.
The Cubs are 84-61 SU and have gone 73-71 against the spread (ATS). The team hasn’t moved the needle a whole lot this year, gaining 2.4 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 2.1 units ATS. The Nationals, on the other hand, are 74-72 SU and 67-78 ATS. The team’s lost 23.9 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 14.4 units ATS.
Washington games have an over/under record of 67-75-3 in 2018. The Cubs have also been a good under bet with a total record of 65-76-3.
Mike Montgomery is getting the nod for the Cubbies. The left-handed Montgomery is 4-5 with a 3.85 ERA and 72 strikeouts. He’s 0-0 with a 0.00 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 season for the righty Ross.
Washington’s pitching staff has yielded 4.2 runs per game overall this year as a unit. Its starters have an ERA of 4.04, a WHIP of 1.24 and a strikeouts-per-nine of 9.0. The bullpen has a 3.90 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 8.5 K/9.
The Washington offense has put up 4.7 runs per outing, including 5.7 per game over its last 10 games and 6.2 per game over its last five. The team has hit .232/.354/.439 over its last five games and is 5-0 SU during that stretch.
The Nationals’ hitters have been led by Trea Turner, who is hitting .267/.338/.405 with 17 home runs, 62 RBIs, 90 runs and 37 stolen bases.
In the other dugout, Chicago’s pitchers have allowed 4.0 runs per game and its starting pitchers own a 3.93 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 7.75 K/9. The bullpen has an ERA of 3.38, along with a WHIP of 1.36.
Cubs hitters have slashed .261/.339/.416 on their way to 4.8 runs scored per game in 2018, including 3.8 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 2.8 per game over the team’s last five outings (1-4 SU).
Chicago’s offense has been spearheaded by Javier Baez. Baez is slashing .292/.326/.559 with 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, 90 runs and 21 stolen bases.
The Nationals are coming off of a 5-1 win against the Phillies, while the Cubs just dropped a 5-1 game to the Brewers.Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals MLB Tip
Predictions: SU Winner – Nationals, ATS Winner – Nationals, O/U – OVER
