Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals 9/8/18, Prediction & Odds

Cubs vs. Nationals Doubleheader Prediction

After a rainout yesterday, the Chicago Cubs and host Washington Nationals will play a doubleheader today. Will either team record the sweep of the two games or will it end as a split?

Game Snapshot

905 Chicago Cubs at 906 Washington Nationals (Game 1)

931 Chicago Cubs at 932 Washington Nationals (Game 2)

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Nationals Park at 3:05PM ET (Game 1); 7:05PM ET (Game 2)

TV: MASN (WASH)

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Public Betting Information 

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Nationals are a -200 favorite in Game 1. The Cubs are a +185 underdog, while the total is set at 8 runs. Odds for Game 2 have not been set as of this writing. As of Saturday morning, 53 percent of public bets are being placed on host Washington for Game 1. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest info.

Garcia makes first start for Cubs

Lefty Jaime Garcia will make his first start for Chicago today after being acquired from the Blue Jays. He appeared in 25 game for Toronto, making 13 starts. Garcia has struggled this year with a career-worst 5.93 ERA and -0.6 WAR. In 74 1/3 innings, he has given up 76 hits with 69 strikeouts and 38 walks. Garcia has a career 3.84 earned-run average over 1,127 1/3 innings. He has not posted an ERA lower than 4.05 since 2015.

Scherzer having another dominant year

Max Scherzer will be on the mound today for the Nationals in Game 1, making them the heavy favorite. He is having another season putting him in the NL Cy Young Award conversation, although he is facing stiff competition considering the historic season of New York Mets hurler Jacob deGrom. Scherzer has a 2.28 ERA this season and a 0.88 WHIP while striking out 260 batters over 193 2/3 innings. He most recently got a no-decision after giving up three earned runs on four hits with 11 strikeouts and one walk over seven innings in a 4-3 home win over the Cardinals.

Cole Hamels (9-9, 3.67 ERA) will start Game 2 today for Chicago, while Washington has not announced its starter.

MLB Betting Trends

Chicago

The Cubs are 12-4 in their last 16 games overall. Chicago is 9-3 in its last 12 during game three of a series. 

Washington

The Nationals are 1-4 in their last five against the NL Central. Washington is 1-4 in its last five home games.

Prediction:

Garcia has been very hittable this season and it's hard for me to see it having the same kind of impact Hamels has had. He'll maybe throw a decent game or two down the stretch to help, but matching up with Scherzer today and going up against an offense that is capable of putting up big numbers in any game won't help. Take the Nationals in Game 1, while I'm going to take the Cubs in Game 2 with Washington finding a spot starter.

 

MLB DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON NATIONALS RL -110 (GAME 1); CHICAGO CUBS (GAME 2)