Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals 8/31/24 – When it comes to Sports Handicapping Insights, the game of the day between the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs is a nail-biter. There’s that much action in this game as the Cubs currently have a relatively pleasant 69-66, while the Nationals are also fighting hard at 61-74. This particular game is sure to generate fireworks at Nationals Park. The out clash is on Saturday so expect fun and excitement as the first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM ET.
Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals 8/31/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 4:05 PM ET |
| Where: | Nationals Park |
| TV: | MLBN |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Chicago Cubs (69-66) vs. Washington Nationals (61-74)
At this stage of the season, the Chicago Cubs are exhibiting a tremendous fighting spirit in regard to the upstanding with an even .239 boob at the plate along with a great staff who is now managing a 3.8 ERA. If they sustain their current level of play, especially in critical games, the postseason may be within reach. The performance of this team is very important in games like the Padres vs. Rays MLB game that strategy will be required.
On the other hand, the Washington Nationals have an impressive batting average of .245 yet have no good starting pitching as evidenced by a higher 4.24 ERA. The Nationals’ performance today might echo the challenges faced by the underdogs in the Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cleveland Guardians game, emphasizing the need for strategic fielding and clutch hitting.
Javier Assad (6-4, 3.15 ERA) vs. DJ Herz (2-6, 3.84 ERA)
Javier Assad of the Chicago Cubs with a 3.15 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 120 innings pitched so far this season. It goes without saying that his ability to notch up outs at defiance’s expense, as seen in his 102 Ks this season, tilts the game in his favour from all angles. Assad is known to be consistent, but to a fault; when he pitched, he walked 51 batters and it need not be said these walks can be game-changers.
As for DJ Herz of the Washington Nationals, this season, he has a 3.84 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP in just 65.2 innings of the game. It’s a lack of experience, but 83 strikeouts are promising. Herz may have a less fruitful win-loss record, but his ability to limit hits and home runs could be a big asset against a team like the Cubs, who have their slump games on the road.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Chicago Cubs -1.5 +112, Total Odds: 9
The betting odds tilt slightly in favor of the Cubs, who are -137 on the moneyline with a -1.5 spread at +112. The total is set at 9, with the Over at -120, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair, possibly influenced by both teams’ recent trends towards high run totals in games.
Chicago Cubs Betting Trends
The Cubs have been a solid bet lately, with the total going OVER in 8 of their last 9 games, and they have won 7 of their last 8 overall. Particularly noteworthy is their record of going 10-2 SU in their last 12 against National League opponents, underscoring their potential to dominate in league matchups.
Washington Nationals Betting Trends
The Nationals, meanwhile, have seen the total go UNDER in 6 of their last 7 games, suggesting a tight defensive strategy. However, they’ve struggled in National League play, holding a 4-9 SU record in their last 13 games against NL teams, which could be a factor in today’s game.
Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals 8/31/24 Betting Picks
Taking into account the present performance of the Cubs and the dismal finish of the Nationals, it would be tough to go around the Cubs being the better selection in this particular encounter. The away record of the Cubs has also been fairly good and the recent rivalry has been in favor of the Cubs against the Nationals. Considering Javier Assad as the starting pitcher, the Cubs have a good chance to blank the Nationals, and their batters should have no trouble hitting DJ Herz. For daily baseball tips, wagering on the Cubs to win the game by a predetermined point spread or betting on each club to post more than an average number of runs is sensible.