Nationals vs. Cubs Prediction
The Chicago Cubs edged the visiting Washington Nationals yesterday afternoon to open their three-game series. Will Washington bounce back with a victory today as the series resumes at 4:05PM ET?
Game Snapshot
901 Washington Nationals at 902 Chicago Cubs
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Wrigley Field at 4:05PM ET
TV: ABC 7 (CHC)
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Cubs are a -127 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Nationals are a +117 underdog, while the total sits at 8.5 runs. As of Saturday morning, 55 percent of public bets are being placed on host Chicago. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Heyward drives in a pair
Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward only had one hit Friday, but he made it count as he was 1-for-4 with two RBIs in the sixth inning as the hosts tied the score at 2-2. The go-ahead run crossed the plate in the seventh as Chicago went on to win 3-2. Anthony Rizzo finished 0-for-1 with three walks, a run and an RBI from the leadoff spot. Kyle Schwarber was 1-for-3 with a run. Steve Cishek earned the win in relief as he struck out both batters he faced. Pedro Strop picked up his ninth save as he struck out one in a perfect ninth inning.
Soto reaches base three times
Nationals outfielder Juan Soto had a strong day at the plate in Friday’s loss as he was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Adam Eaton was 2-for-5 and drove in a run. Bryce Harper finished 1-for-3 plus a walk. David Murphy ended the game 3-for-4 with a double and a run. Sammy Solis took the loss in relief as he gave up one earned run on two hits with one strikeout in one-third of an inning.
Tanner Roark 6-12, 4.21 (ERA) will start today for the Nats, while the Cubs are going with Jon Lester (12-4, 3.44).
MLB Betting Trends
Washington
The Nationals are 2-6 in their last eight Saturday games. Washington is 3-7 in its last 10 meetings in Chicago.
Chicago
The over is 7-2 in the last nine Cubs games on Saturdays. Chicago is 8-3 in its last 11 Saturday games.
Prediction:
Roark has finally started pitching up to his capabilities over the last month and will face a Cubs offense that really didn’t do a whole lot yesterday. Lester has been inconsistent since the All-Star Break and look for Washington to take advantage. Washington needs every win it can get and evening this series up is how I see today’s game turning out.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON NATIONALS +117