The last time we saw Kyle Hendricks take the mound in the postseason for the Chicago Cubs, he was preparing to close out the World Series. With the Cubbies back in the big dance, Hendricks will look to start things off on the right foot in Game 1 of his team’s National League Division Series with the Washington Nationals getting underway on Friday.
Sportsbook opened the Cubs as +153 road underdogs with a total of 7.
- The visiting team is 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four games in this matchup.
- The total has gone UNDER in 19 of the Nationals’ last 25 games when Sportsbook a series.
- The Cubs are 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS in their last six games when Sportsbook a series.
Hendricks (7-5, 3.03 ERA) didn’t fare well early in 2017 but has rebounded since then, posting an NL-best 2.19 ERA since returning from a hand injury in late July. The hurler allowed two or fewer runs in 10 of his 13 starts in that span. Hendricks is 1-1 with a 2.38 ERA in seven career postseason appearances.
Stephen Strasburg (15-4, 2.52) was more than dominant in 10 starts since the all-star break, going 6-1 with a tiny 0.86 ERA and 76 strikeouts in the second half of the season. The ace has allowed more than one run only twice since then, and he hasn’t lost since August 19. Strasburg has only made one playoff start (the 2014 NLDS vs San Francisco) and allowed two runs over five innings in an unfortunate setback.
When the Cubbies travel to the D.C. area, the UNDER is hitting. In Chicago’s last four trips to Washington, the UNDER is 3-1.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to pick the visiting Chicago Cubs before the first pitch in this match found them as +110 moneyline underdogs earlier today at Sportsbook. They saw the OVER/UNDER total of 7 earlier at Sportsbook.
OddsShark prediction models pick the Nationals to win this game 4.4-2.7. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Chicago Cubs vs Washington Nationals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Washington Nationals sport a record of 97-65 heading into this matchup, while the Chicago Cubs sit at 92-70 on the season. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Chicago injuries news.
The Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs odds would favor the Cubs if the betting lines were set according to our power ranks. Washington is rated No. 19 in the current OddsShark poll, while Chicago is at No. 1.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Washington Nationals' No. 5-ranked offense (5.06 runs per game) against a Chicago Cubs defense and pitching staff that sits at No. 7 at 4.29 runs allowed per game. The Washington Nationals have been averaging 9.08 hits per game, more than the Chicago Cubs have managed so far this season (8.67 hits on average).
Chicago brings the No. 7-rated defense to this matchup, facing the Nationals' No. 6-ranked defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Chicago didn't get the job done in their last match, falling 3-1 to Cincinnati on Sunday at Wrigley Field.
Washington suffered an 11-8 loss against Pittsburgh on Sunday, as Gio Gonzalez wasn't able to lead his team to victory at Nationals Park.
- Chi Cubs is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
- Chi Cubs is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chi Cubs' last 15 games
- Chi Cubs is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
- Washington is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
- Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 9 games
- Washington is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago at Washington, Saturday, October 7
