The Washington Nationals, currently ranked fifth in the NL East, will be traveling to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs. With a record of 57-84 and having won their last game, the Nationals are looking to maintain some momentum. Their recent form shows mixed results, as they have won four of their last ten games.
The Chicago Cubs, sitting second in the NL Central, have an impressive record of 81-61. Despite their recent loss to the Nationals, the Cubs have been solid at home with a 44-27 record. The team will be eager to bounce back and improve their streak, currently standing at 5-5 over the last ten games.
The upcoming game at Wrigley Field promises an intriguing contest, with clear skies and a mild breeze expected. Fans can tune in on MARQ to watch the action unfold in this afternoon game. Given the recent results between these two teams, it’s set to be a compelling matchup.
Cubs vs Nationals At a Glance
- Game Location: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
- Teams’ Records: Washington Nationals are 57-84, while Chicago Cubs stand at 81-61
- Weather Outlook: Clear sky with a light breeze
- Broadcasting: Available on MARQ TV channel
- Game Odds: Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -195; Nationals are at +162
- Game Time: Scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 2:20 PM
Chicago Cubs Seek Redemption Against Nationals
Washington Nationals Hitting Overview
The Washington Nationals enter this game with an offensive lineup that has shown its potential in recent games. Despite their overall struggles this season, they have managed to keep the Cubs on their toes with timely hits and patience at the plate. The Nationals will be looking to capitalize on any Cubs pitching weaknesses in this upcoming game.
The Nationals’ performance against the Cubs has been a mix of power and patience, drawing walks and using home runs to keep the games competitive. Players like Jorge Alfaro have been instrumental, providing key hits in crucial moments. Their ability to string together hits and score runs will be vital against a strong Cubs rotation.
Nationals Pitching Preview
Andrew Alvarez will be taking the mound for the Nationals, boasting a perfect ERA of 0.00 in his limited appearances this season. His WHIP of 0.60 and 1-0 record suggest a pitcher who can control the game and keep opposing hitters off balance. The Nationals will be relying on Alvarez to set the tone early and provide stability through the early innings.
Alvarez’s ability to navigate through the Cubs’ lineup will be crucial, especially against hitters who have shown power and patience. The Nationals bullpen will also play a significant role in the latter stages of the game, ensuring any lead is protected and the Cubs’ offense is kept in check.
Key Players to Watch
Jorge Alfaro has been a standout for the Nationals, delivering timely hits and contributing to their offensive efforts. His presence in the lineup will be crucial as the Nationals look to challenge the Cubs’ pitching staff. Alfaro’s ability to drive in runs could be a deciding factor in the game’s outcome.
Other players to watch include Daylen Lile, whose power was showcased with a solo home run against the Cubs in their recent meeting. His ability to change the game’s momentum with one swing will be something the Cubs pitchers need to be wary of.
Washington Nationals Betting Trends
- Last 3 Games SU: 2-1 (66.7%)
- As Underdog SU: 8-15 (34.8%)
- Against Cubs SU: 1-1 (50.0%)
- Runline Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
Nationals Strategy and Outlook
The Nationals will need to rely on a combination of strong pitching and strategic hitting to overcome the Cubs. With Alvarez on the mound, their goal will be to minimize scoring opportunities for the Cubs and keep the game within reach. Offensively, patience at the plate and capitalizing on scoring chances will be key.
The Nationals have shown they can compete with the Cubs, as evidenced by their recent games. Their ability to adjust and execute on both sides of the ball will determine their success in this matchup. As they aim to finish the season strong, performances from key players will be crucial in setting the tone for the game.
Nationals Seek Another Win on the Road Against the Cubs
Chicago Cubs: A Look at the Offense
The Chicago Cubs enter this game with a batting average of .243, ranked 14th in the league. Their on-base percentage mirrors their batting average rank at 14th with a value of .306. While they have shown strength in hitting doubles, ranked 10th with 231, their power is lacking with only 132 home runs, placing them 24th.
The Cubs’ lineup has struggled with strikeouts, tallying 1139, which places them 9th in the league. Despite their power struggles, they have successfully stolen bases, ranking 7th with 119 steals. This mixed bag of offensive stats presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Pitching Woes for the Cubs
On the mound, the Cubs’ pitchers have not fared well with an earned run average (ERA) of 5.30, positioning them 29th in the league. Opposing hitters have found success against the Cubs, evidenced by a batting average against of .266, ranked 23rd. Additionally, the Cubs have allowed 184 home runs, placing them 21st.
In terms of quality starts, the Cubs have managed 43, ranking them in the middle of the pack at 16th. However, their bullpen has been problematic with 15 blown saves, the second-most in the league. The Cubs’ strikeout totals are also low, ranking 28th with 1085 strikeouts.
Key Players to Watch
Despite the team’s struggles, Drew Pomeranz will take the mound with a respectable ERA of 2.40 and a WHIP of 1.11. His record stands at 2-1, suggesting he has been a bright spot in the Cubs’ rotation. Pomeranz’s performance could be crucial for the Cubs’ chances against the Nationals.
Offensively, the Cubs will rely on their ability to hit doubles and capitalize on base-stealing opportunities. These aspects of their game could provide the edge needed to overcome their power struggles. A focus on situational hitting and reducing strikeouts will be critical for the Cubs’ success.
Chicago Cubs Betting Trends
- SU as Favorite: 6-11 (35.3%)
- Runline as Underdog: 64-60 (51.6%)
- O/U in Away Games: 36-34 (51.4%)
- SU in Day Games: 22-40 (35.5%)
- Runline when Scoring 5+: 42-13 (76.4%)
The Cubs have struggled as favorites with a 35.3% success rate but perform better as underdogs on the runline at 51.6%. Their over/under record in away games is slightly above 50%, suggesting a tendency for competitive scoring. The Cubs’ performance in day games is a concern, with only a 35.5% success rate, and they excel when scoring five or more runs with a 76.4% runline record.
Cubs vs Nationals Prediction: Cubs -195
The Chicago Cubs will host the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field with both teams having reasons to fight hard for a victory. The Cubs are in a comfortable position with an 81-61 record and a strong home record of 44-27. While they lost their last game, they have a 70% win rate following a defeat, making them a strong candidate for a bounce-back performance.
On the pitching front, Cubs’ Drew Pomeranz will start the game, carrying a solid ERA of 2.40 and a WHIP of 1.11. The Nationals counter with Andrew Alvarez, who has been excellent in limited appearances but lacks the experience Pomeranz brings. The Cubs’ pitching staff holds a noteworthy ERA of 3.88, ranked 11th in the league, reinforcing their defensive advantage.
Offensively, the Cubs’ lineup is stronger, as demonstrated by their slugging percentage of .428, which ranks 7th in the MLB. Even with injury concerns in the outfield, their depth has been sufficient to maintain competitive performances. The Nationals, on the other hand, rank 22nd in slugging, highlighting their struggles in generating consistent power.
The odds favor the Cubs at -195, and given their historical success against the Nationals, they are the safer pick. The prediction for the final score is Cubs 5 – Nationals 3, with the Cubs utilizing their depth and pitching strength to secure the win.
- Cubs vs Nationals Prediction: Cubs -195
- Cubs vs Nationals Score: Cubs 5 – Nationals 3
