MLB Predictions: Will Cubs beat Nationals, win series Sunday? 8/6/17
Will the Cubs knock off the Nationals Sunday afternoon when the teams square off at 2:20PM ET?
The Matchup: Nationals vs. Cubs, 2:20PM ET, Wrigley Field
Washington has split over its last 10 games. Following their loss to the Cubs on Saturday, the Nationals are now 64-44 on the year and 35-22 on the road. As for Chicago, the Cubs’ victory yesterday improved their record to 58-51 and 29-25 at home. They’ve now won six of their last 10 games.
According to oddsmakers, the Cubs are -200 on the money line to beat the Nationals on Sunday. That makes Washington a +165 money line underdog to pull off the upset this afternoon.
The Pitching Matchup: Erick Fedde (WAS) vs. Jon Lester (CHC)
Fedde has made one start in 2017, which came on July 30 against the Rockies at home. In that 10-6 loss, he allowed seven earned runs on 10 hits over just four innings of work. He struck out three and walked two in that outing.
On the other side is Lester, who is 8-6 on the year and owns a 3.96 ERA. After three straight victories, Lester took a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on August 1. He pitched four innings in that game, allowing three runs on five hits. He struck out nine in that performance and walked three.
Our Prediction:
The pitching matchup favors Chicago too much to go against the club this afternoon at home. Chicago’s lineup should force Fedde out of the game relatively early and Washington’s bullpen has been horrendous at times this season. Pitching in a bandbox like Wrigley won’t help them. The Cubs are 5-1 in their last six games against the National League East and they’ve won 15 of their last 20 games overall. With Lester on the mound, they should be a safe bet tonight.
Bankroll management is key in baseball. Laying -180 is steep, so make sure to grab the Cubs on the run line to minimize risk.
Sunday MLB Prediction: Chicago Cubs -1.5
