The Chicago Cubs (14-13) will begin a 4-game series against the Washington Nationals (10-17) on Monday at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Nationals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Cubs went 4-2 vs. Nationals in 2022
The Cubs lost 4-3 to the Miami Marlins on Sunday. It was their 3rd straight loss and 7th in the last 10 games.
The Nationals cruised to a 7-2 victory Sunday over the NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates. Washington ended a 3-game losing streak and evened its record at 5-5 in its last 10 contests.
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Cubs at Nationals projected starters
LHP Drew Smyly vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore
Smyly (2-1, 3.21 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 0.93 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 28 IP.
- Allowed 6 ER on 9 H with 2 BB and 3 K in 4 2/3 IP in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds in his season debut on April 3
- In his last 4 starts combined, he’s given up 4 ER on 11 H with 4 BB and 24 K in 23 1/3 IP
Gore (3-1, 3.00 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.30 WHIP, 5.3 BB/9 and 11.7 K/9 in 27 IP.
- Has notched 6 or more K’s in each of his 5 starts
- Walks have been an issue as he’s registered 4-plus walks in 3 of his 5 starts
Cubs at Nationals odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:08 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cubs -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Nationals +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+115) | Nationals +1.5 (-140)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Cubs at Nationals picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 4, Nationals 3
Moneyline
Both teams have solid southpaws on the mound on Monday, but I’ll back the CUBS (-140) on the road. Chicago is 4-0 in the last 4 starts that Smyly has made against NL East opponents and Washington is 3-11 at home this season.
Run line/Against the spread
NATIONALS +1.5 (-140) is the pick even though I have the Cubs winning. Gore has pitched well for Washington to begin the season as he’s been credited with 3 of the team’s 10 wins thus far.
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Over/Under
UNDER 8.5 (-105) is how I’d wager on the total with Smyly and Gore on the bump. The Under is 7-0 for the Cubs in Smyly’s last 7 starts against a team with a losing record. Also, the Under is 4-0 in Gore’s last 4 starts against a team with a winning record.
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