The Chicago Cubs will play against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. The game is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 4:05 PM. The Cubs come into this game with a record of 71-50, while the Nationals hold a 59-63 record.
The Cubs are in second place in the NL Central Division and have won their last three games. On the other hand, the Nationals are fourth in the NL East Division and have lost their last two games. The weather is forecasted to be warm with clear skies and a light breeze. Kevin Gausman is the probable starting pitcher for the Cubs, and Cade Cavalli is expected to start for the Nationals.
Chicago Cubs Team Preview
The Chicago Cubs are hitting well lately. They have a batting average of .250, which ranks 6th in the league. Their on-base percentage is the best in the league at .340.
In recent games, the Cubs showed strong offense. They had a big win against the Nationals on August 12th, scoring 12 runs. Alex Bregman stood out with three home runs and seven RBIs.
Kevin Gausman is set to start for the Cubs. This season, he has a record of 6-10 with a 4.29 ERA. His WHIP is 1.26, and he has struck out 131 batters.
Washington Nationals Team Preview
The Washington Nationals recently played a series of games at home. Their latest game against the Chicago Cubs ended in a loss by 6, with the Cubs winning 12-6. In that game, Jackson Kent pitched for four innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out six.
The Nationals’ hitting lineup is led by CJ Abrams, who has a batting average of .284. He has hit 29 home runs and has 91 RBIs this season. Other contributors include Daylen Lile and Keibert Ruiz, both of whom have been key in recent games.
On the pitching side, Cade Cavalli is set to start against the Cubs. He has a 9-5 record with a 3.57 ERA this season. Cavalli has struck out 141 batters, making him a reliable option for the Nationals on the mound.
Betting Prediction
The Cubs have a strong on-base percentage, ranking first in the league. This suggests they are good at getting runners on base and creating scoring chances. Their ability to draw walks, also first in rank, shows patience at the plate.
The Nationals have a high earned run average, ranking 27th, which indicates pitching struggles. This could lead to more scoring chances for the Cubs. With the Cubs’ powerful offense, this is an advantage.
The Cubs are favored on the moneyline at -139. Their strong hitting stats and the Nationals’ pitching issues make this a reasonable choice. The Cubs’ ability to hit home runs, ranked 6th, also supports this pick.
- Pick: Cubs -139
