A clear difference between the Cubs and other teams is their balance. Namely Chicago is highly effective on the mound and at the plate. At the same time, they have been a strong team to bet on MLB games with at home. Above all they put meaning in Wrigley Field’s moniker of “Friendly Confines.” Of little difference are the Washington Nationals. Most of all they also excel with hitting. But the one weakness of the Nats is starting pitching. However, their top starter goes Sunday night. Chicago will host Washington on ESPN.
Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs ESPN Sunday Night Baseball
Date and Time: Sunday, August 12, 2018, 8 p.m. ET
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
Baseball Betting Online Odds: Click here!
Nationals vs. Cubs TV Coverage: ESPN
Washington Nationals
Decidedly disappointing has been the Washington season so far. In comparison to last year they have been a bet on MLB games overlay. To begin with the Nats are unexpectedly out of a playoff spot. Equally important are their massive losses against the MLB lines. Road games have been a major weakness of the Nats in 2018. In one example Washington is 29-28 away from home. Just 19 of those away games went over the total.
Chicago Cubs
Conversely the Cubs lead the NL Central and are profitable at home. To illuminate Chicago is 35-21 as a host. Only 26 of those matchups at Wrigley went over the total. Especially impressive is that they rank fourth in MLB for run production.
Washington Nationals
Washington has struggled in away games recently. For example, the Nats have lost 13 of their last 20 in that role. Additionally, 11 of their last 16 road games have gone under the total. A strong distinction is the Cubs record at Wrigley Field. For instance, they have paid in 13 of their last 20 at the Friendly Confines. Further, just two of their last eight at Wrigley went over the number.
Cubs with the Advantage
At length in this series the advantage belongs to the Cubs. To begin with they have won 12 of their last 20 against the Nationals. Just three of the last 11 between these teams have gone over the total. Chicago has held the head to head edge against Washington at Wrigley. Indeed, they have won five of their last seven there against the Nats. Just three of the last ten between these teams at Wrigley went over the total.
Pitchers Mound
Now Washington does have a sports betting edge in the starting pitcher matchup. To show right hander Max Scherzer is the scheduled starter for the Nationals. Scherzer has a record of 15-5 with a 2.28 earned run average. Counter to that is left hander Cole Hamels of the Cubs. Hamels is 7-9 with a 4.38 earned run average. Simultaneously both clubs have strong bullpens. Chicago ranks sixth in MLB for bullpen earned run average. In contrast the Nationals rank ninth best.
Matchup to Watch
In particular the Cubs are proven against the Nats and at home. Above all Wrigley Field provides a true bet on MLB games advantage. A further asset is Javier Baez. He has 31 doubles, 25 home runs and 88 runs batted in this year.
2018 Nationals vs. Cubs Betting Odds Picks
In sum the Cubs have much more going for them in this matchup.
Baseball Betting Online Pick: Chicago Cubs
Baseball Betting Online Score Prediction: Cubs 4, Nats 2