The Washington Nationals (36-75) and Chicago Cubs (44-64) meet Tuesday at 8:05 p.m. ET for the middle contest of a 3-game series at Wrigley Field. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Nationals vs. Cubs odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Cubs lead 1-0
Washington was doubled up 6-3 in Monday’s series opener and has been outscored 51-20 while losing 6 straight games. The Nats are just 7-27 with a bloated 5.94 ERA in their last 34 games.
Chicago has played well at home lately. The Cubs own a 1.39 ERA and a 6-3 record over their last 9 games at Wrigley Field.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Nationals at Cubs projected starters
RHP Paolo Espino vs. RHP Marcus Stroman
Espino (0-4, 4.20 ERA) has appeared in 30 games and made 10 starts. He owns a 1.27 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 through 70 2/3 IP.
- Owns a 5.52 ERA and 1.43 WHIP as a starter vs. a 2.03 ERA and 1.01 WHIP as a relief pitcher.
- Roughed up for 5 runs on 7 hits over 4 innings in his last start at the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday.
Stroman (3-5, 4.00 ERA) is making his 15th start of the season. He has registered a 1.14 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 through 74 1/3 IP.
- Owns a 1.67 ERA and 1.00 WHIP since returning from the IL (shoulder) July 9.
- Owns a 7.94 ERA and 1.50 WHIP at home albeit in the small sample size of 22 2/3 IP.
Nationals at Cubs odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Nationals +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Cubs -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Nationals +1.5 (-130) | Cubs -1.5 (+105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)
Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!
Nationals at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 5, Nationals 3
Money line
Over his recent stretch of success, Stroman has induced a lot more ground balls (51.6% last 30 days) while pounding the strike zone with first-pitch strikes. The Cubs’ righty has faced all top-end offensive clubs over his 5-game surge and he draws a Nationals foe Tuesday which is anything but.
The Cubs are playing well at home and have an edge in the starter matchup and bullpen are a decent play up to -195. Otherwise, STEER CLEAR.
Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW22 for 20% OFF full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 8/31/2022. Subscribe today and start winning!
Run line/Against the spread
The Nats play in a below-average number of 1-run games.
BACK THE CUBS -1.5 (+105).
Over/Under
Both offenses have some growth potential in run scoring based on their quality of contact and support analytics. However, Tuesday’s weather report featuring an inbound breeze and the Stroman half of the starting mound equation work against that Over lean.
PASS.
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]