Nationals vs. Cubs Prediction
The Washington Nationals dominated at the Chicago Cubs yesterday and now have a shot at a series win on Sunday Night Baseball. Will Washington get the win as favorites with Max Scherzer on the mound?
Game Snapshot
963 Washington Nationals at 964 Chicago Cubs
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Wrigley Field at 8:05PM ET
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Nationals are a -145 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Cubs are a +135 underdog, while the total sits at 7.5 runs. As of Sunday morning, 58 percent of public bets are being placed on visiting Washington. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Zimmerman crushes two home runs
Ryan Zimmerman led the effort for the Nats yesterday as was 2-for-3 with two home runs, a walk and six RBIs in a 9-4 victory at Chicago. Trea Turner finished 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, two runs and an RBI. Bryce Harper was 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs. Daniel Murphy went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Matt Wieters ended the game 3-for-3 with two walks and a run. Tanner Roark picked up the win as he allowed two earned runs on nine hits over 7 2/3 innings, striking out seven and walking one.
Lester crushed in loss
Cubs lefty starter Jon Lester continued his struggles as he allowed nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits with five strikeouts and one walk over 3 2/3 innings in yesterday's loss. Ben Zobrist helped lead the offense with a pinch-hit two-run double. Addison Russell was 3-for-4 with a run.
Scherzer (15-5, 2.28 ERA) starts today for the Nationals, while the Cubs counter with Cole Hamels (7-9, 4.38).
MLB Betting Trends
Washington
The Nationals are 8-17 in their last 25 road games. Washington is 51-21 in Scherzer's last 72 starts.
Prediction:
Scherzer is having another Cy Young Award-quality season and I doubt it slows down here. The Cubs have a good offense, but they are also streaky and Scherzer can shut down even the most elite of offenses. The Nats offense comes in hot and they should touch up Hamels enough to get the support Scherzer needs.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON NATIONALS -145