Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the MLB match.
The Chicago Cubs have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the current MLB season. After back-to-back regular seasons with 83 wins, they have unexpectedly surged to the top of the National League standings. The Cubs opened their latest series against the Washington Nationals with an emphatic 8:3 victory, and they now have a prime opportunity to build on that momentum.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals briefly hovered around the .500 mark before slipping back to a 46.7% win rate. Consecutive defeats are to blame — first in the final game of their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks (1:3), and then in the opener against the Chicago Cubs. They have consistently struggled against stronger opposition. In games where the opponent has a winning record, the Washington Nationals have managed just 10 wins in 29 attempts — the lowest figure in the National League East. Broadening the lens, only the Colorado Rockies, who are firmly at the bottom of the National League, have fared worse in such matchups, with just five victories.
Chicago Cubs
At their current season pace, the Chicago Cubs are on track to challenge the 100-win mark. They are currently riding a hot streak, having won 13 of their last 16 games. The reasons behind this surge are apparent. Few teams in the league can match their depth at the plate. The Cubs boast a well-balanced and potent batting lineup — Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, and Dansby Swanson have each recorded 11 or more home runs. They are the only team in the National League with such an efficient spread of power hitters.
Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs Prediction
Alongside the Philadelphia Phillies, the Chicago Cubs are the most successful road team of the season. They have secured 18 wins from 29 away games, a road win rate of 62.1%. That figure rises to 73.3% when they are road favourites. The market still seems to undervalue the squad’s offensive firepower — this is a chance worth taking advantage of.
