Nationals vs. Cubs Prediction
Will the Nationals upset the Cubs in the first game of a new series today at 2:20PM ET?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Cubs are -146 money line favorites to beat the Nationals, who have odds of +136 to pull off the upset in Chicago. With Tanner Roark set to face Kyle Hendricks in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 9 runs.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
From Rotoworld: Roark let in four runs in five innings and was charged with a loss to the Rockies on Saturday. He struck out eight batters but issued four walks and gave up five hits, including a two-run tater by Trevor Story. Roark falls to 8-7 with a 4.93 ERA and 1.40 WHIP through 20 starts. His 7.89 strikeouts per nine innings is the highest strikeout rate of his career. Unfortunately his 3.34 walk rate is also the highest of his career.
Hendricks allowed one run over five innings of work in a no-decision Saturday against the Brewers. Hendricks scattered six hits without walking a batter and striking out three in the outing. He’s now allowed two runs without issuing a walk over 9 1/3 innings since returning from the disabled list, a good sign for the Cubs and Hendricks, even if he doesn’t have the wins to show for it. A return to something even close to his 2016 form would be a huge addition to the team’s rotation at this stage. Hendricks will keep working toward regaining that form Friday against the Nationals.
Bet Today’s Nationals vs. Cubs Game
OUR PREDICTION: The Nationals are 7-1 in their last eight games versus National League Central opponents, are 9-4 in their last 13 road games, and are 15-7 in Roak’s last 22 road outings. On the other side, the Cubs are 0-4 in Hendrick’s last four starts during the first game of a series and have dropped eight of their last 11 home games versus a right-handed starter.
FRIDAY MLB PREDICTION: WASHINGTON NATIONALS +136