Cubs vs. Nationals Prediction
Is the total set too high in tonight’s Cubs and Nationals matchup at 7:05PM ET?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Nationals are -175 money line favorites versus the Cubs, who have odds of +145 to pull off the upset. With John Lackey set to face Stephen Strasburg in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 8.5 runs.
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From Rotoworld: Lackey logged a quality start in Friday’s loss to the Marlins, surrendering two runs (one earned) on three hits over six strong innings. The crafty right-hander struck out four and walked two in the ballgame. He gave up a solo homer to Giancarlo Stanton in the third inning and allowed the Marlins to scratch out an unearned run in the sixth. After two straight terrific outings, Lackey will carry a 4.74 ERA and 1.31 WHIP into Wednesday’s start against the Nationals in Washington.
Strasburg was hit hard again in Friday’s no-decision against the Reds, allowing five runs on eight hits over his five frames. Strasburg walked two and struck out five on the night. The Reds jumped on him early, scoring four times in the first inning including a solo home from Scooter Gennett. He settled in nicely afterwards though and did enough to at least keep his team in the ballgame. He’ll carry a 3.57 ERA and 1.13 WHIP into a rematch against these same Reds at home on Wednesday.
Bet Tonight’s Cubs vs. Nationals Game
OUR PREDICTION: This is a tough one because the Cubs aren’t stinging the ball but Strasburg has been roughed up of late. I’m going to roll the dice on the over anyway, especially with the number sitting at 8.5. The over is 4-1 in Strasburg’s last five starts overall and 35-15-4 in his last 54 home starts. I figure even if Strasburg pitches fairly well, this Washington lineup should tee off on Lackey, so the over should be a safe bet.
WEDNESDAY MLB PREDICTION: CUBS/NATIONALS OVER 8.5