Nationals vs. Cubs Prediction
Will the Chicago Cubs continue their hot play at home today when they host the Washington Nationals at 2:20PM ET?
901 Washington Nationals vs. 902 Chicago Cubs
Friday, August 23, 2019
2:20PM ET – Wrigley Field
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Cubs are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -125 to win today. The Nationals are listed with a money line of +115, while the over/under total has yet to be set. The public betting for the contest currently is unavailable. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Nationals rolling along
Washington has won eight of its last 10 after taking three of four in Pittsburgh this week. The Nats outscored the Pirates 32-6 in the series. Washington is 70-57 on the season, 34-31 on the road and 62-59 with the under. The Nationals have Anibal Sanchez on the mound today. He is 7-6 with a 3.99 ERA.
The Nationals are in the top half of the league in hitting and pitching. Washington is putting up 5.31 runs per game while batting .263 as a team. On the mound, the Nationals have a 4.39 team ERA with a 1.32 WHIP. Anthony Rendon has been leading the team with 35 doubles, 28 home runs and 101 RBI. Juan Soto is adding 20 doubles, 28 home runs and 83 RBI.
Cubs on a win streak
Chicago is riding a five-game win streak this week after sweeping the Giants at home. The Cubs are now 69-58 overall, 44-19 at home and 65-57 with the under. Jon Lester is getting the start for the Cubs today. He is 10-8 on the season with a 4.23 ERA.
The Cubs are putting up 4.94 runs per game while batting .253 as a team. On the mound, Chicago has posted a 4.06 ERA this year while the team WHIP is 1.29. Javier Baez is leading the team with 34 doubles, 28 home runs and 82 RBI while Anthony Rizzo has 26 doubles, 25 home runs and 81 RBI. Nicholas Castellanos has eight home runs in 20 games with the Cubs this year as well.
MLB Betting Trends
Washington
The Nationals are 10-2 in their last 12 against NL Central opponents and 19-7 in their last 26 series openers.
Chicago
The Cubs are 5-1 in Lester’s last six starts on five days of rest and 45-16 in his last 61 home starts.
Prediction:
Both teams come into this game hot, but the Cubs have been hot at home all year. Sanchez has been pretty steady this year for his age level and he can compete against this Chicago lineup today. Lester has an ERA over 4.00 at home, but the Cubs hit the ball well at home and provide him with run support. While Washington is playing well, those home trends for the Cubs are too strong to ignore.
MLB Prediction: Chicago Cubs -125