Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction: Will MacKenzie Gore, Drew Smyly Struggle?

Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction: Will MacKenzie Gore, Drew Smyly Struggle?

Say what you want about the Nationals, they’re a decent team on the road. They're currently 22-24 away from Nationals Park and the Nationals’ bats seem to wake up away from home. Yes, they’re coming off a series loss against the underwhelming Cardinals, but their offense wasn’t the issue. Tonight, they’ll face a struggling lefty and below-average Cubs bullpen at Wrigley Field with the wind blowing out to center.

Nationals vs. Cubs Date, Time and Where to Watch

Date: July 17, 2023

Time: 8:05 pm ET

Where to Watch: MLBTV

Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction

I’m not telling you to put your hard-earned money on the Nationals to win a baseball game. They will probably find a way to lose this game in the latter half of this game, but their offense won’t be at fault. Drew Smyly has looked like he’s pitching on an empty tank of gas for the better part of two months. Washington has great numbers against left-handed pitching on the season, and they get to face a low-velocity veteran who’s simply out of gas.

The Nationals won’t be the only team scoring tonight. MacKenzie Gore was roughed up in Philadelphia before throwing only one inning in his latest start which was cut short due to weather. Gore has been great at times in his first season with the Nationals, but he’s inconsistent. I worry he won’t rebound from his blowup start against the Phillies, the abbreviated start against Cincinnati, and the long All-Star break. Expect the inconsistent lefty to struggle with his command, at least until he finds his groove.

Gore’s walk-rate is high, and against one of the most patient teams in baseball who crushes LHP, Chicago has the advantage against the young starter. With the wind blowing out to center, hitting conditions will be pristine in Chicago, creating another uphill battle for Gore.

With the total on the rise, bet the over before it moves to 9.5. After opening at 8, sharps steamed the total up an entire run overnight. Both starters have brutal matchups in a hitter-friendly environment. Expect plenty of runs at Wrigley tonight, and this over to cash before the seventh-inning stretch.

Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs Pick

• PICK: WSH/CHC o9 (-115) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds