Jun 6, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) after he hits a home run during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs vs Washington Nationals Prediction 8/11/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Chicago Cubs Washington Nationals
Team Records 69-50 59-61
Spread -1.5 -105 +1.5 -115
Moneyline -174 +143
Total Over 9 (-107) Under 9 (-113)
Where Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
When Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Time 06:45 PM EDT
TV MLB.TV

The Chicago Cubs and the Washington Nationals will meet on Tuesday night in the opening game of a three game National League series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

The Chicago Cubs enter Tuesday’s contest with a 69–50 overall record (2nd in the National League standings) and a 34–26 mark on the road. The Cubs offense has been outstanding to this point in the season. Through 119 games played in 2026, Chicago has compiled 614 runs scored (2nd in MLB), 200 doubles, a .250 team batting average and 148 home runs which ranks ninth in Major League Baseball.

The Cubs arrive at tomorrow night’s game in above average form. Chicago has won six of the team’s last seven games played this season, including a thrilling 3–2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays four days ago.

Chicago will turn to left hander Shota Imanaga in this game. In 23 starts made this season, Imanaga has compiled an 8–9 win loss record, a 3.60 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP (12th in MLB) and 125 strikeouts, while allowing 116 hits and 29 walks in 132.2 innings pitched. Shota Imanaga arrives at this contest in good form, allowing two earned runs or fewer in seven consecutive starts made this season. Imanaga will look to continue his recent strong performance on the mound in tomorrow’s matchup with the Washington Nationals.

Shifting our focus to the Chicago offense, the Cubs lineup features outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ. Pete Crow-Armstrong has tallied a .286 batting average, 26 home runs (9th in MLB), 64 walks, 71 RBIs and a .931 OPS which ranks a robust a rather impressive first in Major League Baseball. Ian Happ has amassed 20 home runs, 51 RBIs, 62 walks and 22 doubles.                            

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals enter Tuesday night’s matchup with a 59–61 overall record (4th in the National League East) and a 26–34 mark at home. Washington has played competitive baseball recently, winning four of the team’s last five games, including a 10–4 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles last week.

Washington will start right hander Jake Irvin in tomorrow’s game. In 13 starts made in 2026, Irvin has compiled a 2–5 record, a 5.37 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts, while allowing 54 hits and 26 walks in 62 innings pitched. Irvin has pitched at a high level recently, allowing two earned runs or fewer in three of his last four starts made this season.

The Nationals lineup features shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder James Wood. CJ Abrams will enter this contest with a .287 batting average, 28 home runs, 89 RBIs (1st in MLB) and a .904 OPS. James Wood has tallied a .265 batting average and 30 home runs.                

Why the Chicago Cubs will win.

• Offensive firepower. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ continue to lead the Cubs lineup.

• Starting pitching. Shota Imanaga has compiled a 10–4 win loss record, a 3.60 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and 125 strikeouts this season.

• Current form. The Chicago Cubs have won six of the team’s last seven games.   

Why the Washington Nationals will win.

• Offensive balance. CJ Abrams and James Wood provide a strong core to the Washington Nationals lineup.

• Starting pitching. In 13 starts made in 2026, Jake Irvin has compiled a 2–5 record, a 5.37 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched.

Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals Prediction

In my opinion, this matchup favors the Chicago Cubs. Why? The Chicago Cubs arrive at this contest in good overall form, winning six of the team’s last seven games. Additionally, Chicago hurler Shota Imanaga has pitched at a high level recently, allowing two earned runs or fewer in seven consecutive starts made this season. With that said, the Cubs are the clear side to be on in this one. I am backing the Chicago Cubs on the moneyline in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Chicago Cubs ML

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