For the most part, no single series makes or breaks a season for any team, unless of course we are looking at an elimination type deal. That said, there are some series that can certainly play a major role in figuring out who goes to the postseason and who gets to sit home and watch. At this late stage of the season, those series tend to be the ones that feature teams who are not totally guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. For those teams, every series is huge, but when you get the opportunity to put a little extra space between yourself and the other playoff challengers, that series then becomes truly massive.

That is what we are getting this weekend, with the Washington Nationals heading to iconic Wrigley Field for a series against the Chicago Cubs. Both of these teams are fighting for their playoff lives, so this should be a fun one to tune into, as it will have a definite impact on the playoff standings. The Cubs are favored by 1 ½ for this one, with the run total set at 8.

Nationals vs Cubs MLB Odds, Game Info & Prediction

• When: Friday, August 23 at 2:20 PM EST
• Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
• Starting Pitchers: Sanchez vs. Lester
• TV: MLB Extra Innings
• Radio: SiriusXM
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Odds: Chicago Cubs -125 (Total 8)

Weather Forecast

• Sunny: 22°C/71°F
• Humidity: 52%
• Precipitation: 0%
• Cloud Cover: 3%
• Wind: 13 mph NE
• Stadium Type: Open

Why bet on the Washington Nationals?

In terms of the race for the NL East crown, things have been more than a little frustrating for the Washington Nationals. A slow start to the season certainly didn’t help their cause, but even now, with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, they have been unable to make up any ground on the leaders, with the Atlanta Braves maintaining a 6-game lead at the top.

The good news, though, is that their current positive run of form has them occupying the first Wild Card spot in the National League. They are in a very nice position, but a poor series here could make it less so. The Nationals are 3 games over .500 at 34-31 on the road, but they are 1-2 versus the Cubs this season, with that series loss coming at home. They will have Anibal Sanchez (7-6, 3.99 ERA) on the mound.

Team Stats

• Runs: 5.30
• Hits: 8.93
• Walks: 3.59
• Strike Outs: 8.21

• Runs: 4.60
• Hits: 8.55
• Walks: 3.15
• Strike Outs: 9.22

Why bet on the Chicago Cubs?

The Chicago Cubs have split time at the top of the NL Central with the Cardinals and the Brewers this season, but with Milwaukee stumbling down the stretch, it now looks like a 2-horse race. The Cubs certainly appear to be up for the fight, coming from behind twice a couple of nights ago to take a 12-11 win over the Giants, a game that some players described as a season defining win.

They followed that up with a 1-0 win to complete the sweep and take their win streak to 5 games, a run that has then back on top of the Central with a ½ game lead. The Cubs are now an impressive 44-19 at home this season, which does not bode well for any team coming to town in need of a win. It will be Jon Lester (10-8, 4.23 ERA) on the mound for this one.

Team Stats

• Runs: 4.98
• Hits: 8.52
• Walks: 3.67
• Strike Outs: 8.99

• Runs: 4.40
• Hits: 8.42
• Walks: 3.13
• Strike Outs: 8.71

Nationals vs Cubs MLB Betting Trends

• Nationals are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington’s last 6 games against an opponent in the National League
• Cubs are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games at home
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs’ last 6 games
• Nationals are 77-75 against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons
• Cubs are 27-8 against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 this season
• Fedde is 0-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 2.251
• Lester is 2-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.310

Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Nationals vs Cubs

The Nationals have won 4 of their last 5 road games, but this looks to be a much tougher proposition. This is almost like a playoff style game, which is why I favor the Cubs with the experience Jon Lester on the mound.

Score: Washington Nationals 4 – Chicago Cubs 6