The Washington Nationals, with a record of 56-84, head to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs. Under interim manager Miguel Cairo, the Nationals find themselves struggling, sitting at the bottom of the NL East. Despite their recent loss to the Cubs, they aim to turn their luck around in this afternoon game.
On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs are having a strong season with an 81-60 record. Managed by Craig Counsell, the Cubs are currently second in the NL Central and have been consistent at home with a 44-26 record. Their recent victory against the Nationals boosts their morale as they look to maintain their position in the division.
The game is set for a 2:20 PM start under clear skies at Wrigley Field. Broadcast on MASN, fans can expect a mild day with a light breeze, creating ideal conditions for an exciting afternoon of baseball. The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -260, while the Nationals stand at +214.
Cubs vs Nationals At a Glance
- Game Location: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
- Weather Outlook: Clear sky with a mild breeze
- Washington Nationals Record: 56-84, NL East Division Rank: 5
- Chicago Cubs Record: 81-60, NL Central Division Rank: 2
- Game Odds: Nationals +214, Cubs -260
- Broadcast Information: Available on MASN
Cubs Ready to Roar Against Nationals: Analyzing the Away Team’s Strengths
Nationals’ Team Performance
The Washington Nationals have faced challenges throughout the 2025 season, as reflected by their starter Brad Lord’s record of 4-8. Lord’s ERA of 4.34 and WHIP of 1.32 indicate an up-and-down performance that the Cubs will look to exploit.
Despite these hurdles, the Nationals have had moments of promise, with their offensive lineup occasionally putting up big numbers. However, consistency remains a key issue for the team.
Key Players to Watch
Nationals fans will be keeping an eye on players like Lane Thomas, who has shown flashes of potential with his hitting abilities. Thomas’s contribution will be pivotal if the Nationals hope to contend against the Cubs’ formidable pitching lineup.
In addition, Keibert Ruiz’s defensive skills behind the plate and his ability to call a good game will be critical in supporting Brad Lord in managing the Cubs’ hitters.
Pitching Challenges
Brad Lord’s task against the Cubs is daunting, given the strong performance of Chicago’s lineup in recent games. With an ERA of 4.34, Lord must find ways to keep the Cubs’ batters off balance.
The Nationals’ bullpen will also need to step up if the game remains close. Key relievers will be expected to manage high-pressure situations effectively to support Lord.
Nationals’ Offensive Strategy
The Nationals will likely lean on their speed and base-running capabilities to create scoring opportunities. Players like CJ Abrams can disrupt the game with their speed, putting pressure on the Cubs’ defense.
Power hitters will need to step up as well, taking advantage of any mistakes made by Cubs’ starter Matthew Boyd, whose impressive ERA of 2.94 poses a significant challenge.
Team Betting Trends
- Nationals Straight Up (SU) Record: Struggles against top teams have affected their overall SU performance.
- Runline Performance: The Nationals have had mixed results on the runline, often failing to cover when underdogs.
- O/U Trends: Games involving the Nationals have generally leaned towards the over, especially in high-scoring matchups.
Washington Nationals Aim for Redemption Against Cubs at Wrigley
Chicago Cubs Offense Overview
The Chicago Cubs’ offense enters the game with a moderate team batting average of .243, ranking 13th in the league. Despite this, their on-base percentage is lower at .307, placing them 17th. The team struggles to generate power with a slugging percentage of .386, ranking 20th.
Power-wise, the Cubs have hit 131 home runs this season, which ranks them 25th. They fare better in terms of doubles, with 230, which places them 10th. Their lineup also includes aggressive base running, as shown by their 119 stolen bases, ranking 6th.
Key Players in the Cubs Lineup
With a focus on extra-base hits, the Cubs’ lineup aims to exploit the Nationals’ pitching vulnerabilities. They have several players capable of causing trouble with their speed and situational hitting. Maintaining plate discipline will be crucial as their walk count is relatively low at 400, ranking them 25th.
Strikeouts remain an area of concern, with the Cubs’ hitters striking out 1,132 times this season, ranking 9th. Their ability to adjust and make contact could be pivotal against the Nationals’ pitching staff.
Pitching Matchup: Matthew Boyd
On the mound, the Cubs will start Matthew Boyd, who brings a strong presence with a 2.94 ERA and a WHIP of 1.07. Boyd has been consistent throughout the season, with a win-loss record of 12-7. His ability to suppress hits and walks makes him a formidable opponent for the Nationals’ hitters.
Boyd will look to capitalize on the Nationals’ offensive inconsistencies, particularly targeting their lower on-base and slugging percentages. His strikeout ability will be key in neutralizing Washington’s power threats.
Team Betting Trends for Cubs
- Runline in Away Games: 37-32 (53.6%)
- Runline as Underdog: 63-60 (51.2%)
- Runline when Scoring 5+: 42-13 (76.4%)
- SU in Day Games: 21-40 (34.4%)
- SU in Away Games: 27-42 (39.1%)
The Cubs’ betting trends indicate a team that often covers the runline when on the road and as underdogs. They have a strong record when scoring five or more runs, but they tend to struggle in day games and away games overall.
Cubs vs Nationals Prediction: Over 9.0
The Chicago Cubs have shown offensive strength recently, putting up 11 runs in their last game against the Nationals. This resurgence in hitting power, including four home runs, indicates a potential for high scoring in the upcoming game. With the Cubs’ lineup regaining form, the potential for another offensive outburst remains high.
On the mound for the Nationals is Brad Lord, who holds a 4.34 ERA. Given the Cubs’ ability to exploit pitching weaknesses, they could capitalize on Lord’s vulnerabilities. The Nationals’ pitching struggles, combined with the Cubs’ recent hitting surge, lean towards a higher scoring game.
Matthew Boyd, the Cubs’ starter, has been reliable with a 2.94 ERA, but the Nationals might still find opportunities to score. While Boyd’s performance could limit the Nationals’ offense to some extent, the Cubs’ explosive potential suggests the total runs could surpass the set line.
Considering the Cubs’ recent performance and both teams’ pitching scenarios, the over 9.0 bet offers value. A projected score of Cubs 7 – Nationals 4 aligns with this prediction.
- Cubs vs Nationals Prediction: Over 9.0
- Cubs vs Nationals Score: Cubs 7 – Nationals 4
