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Nationals vs. Cubs Prediction and Odds for Monday, August 8 (Cubs Should Score in Bunches)

By Joe Summers

The Cubs' offense should score plenty against the struggling Annibal Sanchez
The Cubs' offense should score plenty against the struggling Annibal Sanchez / David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
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The Washington Nationals knew trading away Juan Soto and Josh Bell would result in losses in the short-term. They were already losing, anyway. But that doesn't lighten the sting of their current five-game losing streak, and Washington hopes Anibal Sanchez can deliver a victory.

Sanchez is 0-4 with a 7.65 ERA and has yet to finish the sixth inning in a start. He's surrendered six home runs and issued nine walks in his four outings, so he'll need to improve dramatically to give the Nationals a chance.

Keegan Thompson gets the start for the Chicago Cubs, bringing a 2.50 ERA at home into the contest. He's been inconsistent and the Cubs are 1-5 in his last six starts, but he certainly represents an advantage over Sanchez.

Can Washington snap its losing streak or will Chicago prevail? Let's take a peak at the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to help find the value in this Nationals vs Cubs matchup:

Nationals vs Cubs Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

  • Nationals +1.5 (-135)
  • Cubs -1.5 (+112)

Moneyline:

  • Nationals: +175
  • Cubs: -190

Total:

  • 7.5 (Over -125/Under +105)

Nationals vs Cubs Prediction and Pick

Anibal Sanchez looks like one of MLB's worst starters through his first several outings. His fastball velocity is low, his command is off, and his ability to prevent hard contact is all but gone.

The Cubs' lineup is sputtering but a matchup with Sanchez is a great opportunity to get back on track. Sanchez's team hasn't won a road game he started since 2019, and Chicago won three of its last four as home favorites.

Keegan Thompson is struggling too, allowing five runs in two of his last three starts. His expected ERA of 4.28 implies he's been lucky to amass only a 3.48 ERA on the season. Thus, I see Washington putting up some runs as well.

With these pitchers on the mound, 7.5 feels too low for the total. I like the over, but I also can't deny Washington's struggles on the road. Chicago's lineup should hammer Sanchez, and I'll take the plus money on its run line in a high-scoring win.

Pick: Cubs -1.5 (+112) and Over 7.5 (-125)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.

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