Barking Dog: Cubs vs. Nats Pick

Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals
Date: Monday, May 1st, 7:05 ET
Location: Nationals Park
TV: MASN
Money Line: Cubs -136/Nationals +116 (Bet it FREE with a 100% sportsbook bonus code!)
Total Line: 8.5

Betting Preview

Here’s our betting preview for the upcoming MLB clash between the Washington Nationals and the Cubs on Monday, May 1st at Nationals Park. We provide you with a comprehensive analysis, odds, and predictions to help with your handicapping decision or tail our expert based on the projected lineups and listed starting pitchers.

Betting Odds

Cubs vs. Nationals Projected Lineup

Straight Up/Over-Under/ Runline Record

Chicago Cubs: 14-13 SU / OU 13-13 / Runline 16-11
Washington Nationals: 10-17 SU / OU 13-13 / Runline 16-11

Heading into their game vs. the Nationals, the Cubs have a record of 14-13 and have dropped three straight games. In the NL Central, they are in 3rd place and have an overall series record of 5-2. At home, they have gone 8-8 and 6-5 on the road.

• The Cubs have covered the runline in 59.3% of their games and have an average run margin of 1.6
• The Cubs have been favored in 51.9% of their games and have runline records of 8-8 and 8-3 at home and on the road, respectively
• Through 27 games, the over has hit in half of the Cubs’ games at 13-13.

So far this season, the Nationals have an overall record of 10-17, putting them 5th in the NL East. Currently, they are eight games out in the division. Across their last ten games, they are an even 5-5. On the road, they have gone 7-6 and 3-11 at home. The team’s series record is 2-5.

• The Nationals have covered the runline in 59.3% of their games and have an average run margin of -1.0
• The Nationals have been favored in 0.0% of their games and have runline records of 5-9 and 11-2 at home and on the road, respectively
• Through 27 games, the over has hit in half of the Nationals’ games at 13-13.

Pitching Matchup

Starter Drew Smyly comes in with an overall record of 2-1 for the Cubs. Having made five appearances, his ERA is 3.21 and he has a K/9 figure of 1.0. Additionally, he has a FIP of 3.24 and an OBP of .255.

Drew Smyly finished with a no-decision in his last outing against the Padres. He allowed two runs on four hits over five innings. The Cubs went on to lose the game by a score of 5-3.

The Nationals will turn to starter MacKenzie Gore who has an overall record of 3-1. After five appearances, his ERA is 3.00 and he has a K/9 figure of 1.3. Also, he has compiled a FIP of 3.53 and an OBP of .315.

MacKenzie Gore finished with a quality start and a win in his last appearance, as the Nationals took down the Mets by final score of 4-1. Gore gave up one run and four hits across six innings.

Cubs vs. Nationals Offense Outlook

This season, the Cubs have emerged as one of the top home run hitting teams in baseball, with a total of 37 home runs (8th). In addition, they have maintained an average of 5.4 runs per game, while their collective batting average stands at .274. Their slugging percentage at home is .404 compared to .473 on the road.

Chicago Cubs Top Hitters vs. Lefties

Chicago Cubs Top Hitters: Last Five Games

Offensively, the Nationals, come into the game ranked 27th in the league with an average of 3.9 runs per game. In the home run category, Washington is ranked 30th, with 15 deep shots. When it comes to batting average, they have collectively hit .252. This mark includes hitting .243 on the road and .244 at home.

Washington Nationals Top Hitters vs. Lefties

Washington Nationals Top Hitters: Last Five Games

Free MLB Pick

The Cubs may have a winning record at 14-13, but they’re starting to look like the Cubs again as they’ve lost six of their last eight games. I really like this Mackenzie Gore kid who has looked liked outs at times. The Nats haven’t exactly been killing it, but they have been living comfortable at home for a spell and they hit left-handed pitching extremely well. Washington at home at +121 is a good value bet that would win 50% of the time under these circumstances, so it’s a no brainer to pull the trigger at underdog odds. Bet your MLB predictions for FREE this week by scoring a 125% real cash bonus up to $400 by entering bonus promo code PREDICTEM at GTBets!