Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs Prediction MLB Picks 9/22/24

In this article we will formulate a Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs prediction for this MLB game on Sunday, September 22nd at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. To formulate this prediction for game four in the series, we will examine:

• The Nationals’ recent form and recent player performance 
• The Cubs’ recent form and recent play performance
• Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Washington
• Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Chicago
• Recent betting trends in games played between Washington and Chicago
• A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between Washington and Chicago

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 69-86 this year and they have lost five of their last six games. Washington lost the first two games in this series, but they did win game three by a score of 5-1. Prior to this series, the Nationals lost all three against the Mets, won three out of four against the Marlins, and split two games with the Braves. Washington is 4-6 in their last 10 games and they are fourth in the NL East. 

The Washington pitching staff has a 4.33 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP, and a .260 opponent batting average. The Nationals’ offense has scored 638 runs with a .243 batting average and a .309 on-base percentage. Luis Garcia is batting .281 with 16 home runs and 65 RBI’s for the Nationals this season.

Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

The Chicago Cubs are 79-76 this season and they have lost three of their last five games. Chicago won the first two games in this series by scores of 7-6 and 3-1. Prior to this series, the Cubs lost two out of three against the Athletics, lost two out of three against the Rockies, and won two out of three against the Dodgers. Chicago is 4-6 in their last ten games and they are second in the NL Central. 

The Chicago pitching staff has a 3.82 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and a .239 opponent batting average. The Cubs’ offense has scored 709 runs with a .243 batting average and a .317 on-base percentage. Seiya Suzuki is batting .279 with 21 home runs and 70 RBI’s for the Cubs this season. 

Starting Pitchers

The projected starting pitcher for Washington is Jake Irvin, who is 10-12 with a 4.07 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP over 179.1 innings pitched this season. Irvin has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last five starts. The projected starting pitcher for Chicago is Shota Imanaga, who is 14-3 with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP over 166.1 innings pitched this year. Imanaga has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last five starts. 

Why the Cubs will beat the Nationals

• The home team has won eight of the Nationals’ last nine games.
• The Nationals have lost seven of their last eight-day games following a road win.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four games against the Cubs at Wrigley Field following a win.
• The Cubs have covered the run line in five of their last six-day games against NL East opponents following a loss.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Nationals’ last four-day games against National League opponents has gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Four of the Cubs’ last five-day games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.

Chicago Cubs Player Prop Facts

• Shota Imanaga has recorded a win in each of his last four appearances against opponents that held a losing record.
• Dansby Swanson has recorded at least one total base in each of the Cubs’ last 12 games against NL opponents that held a losing record.
• Nico Hoerner has scored at least one run in five of the Cubs’ last six-day games against NL opponents that held a losing record.
• Mike Tauchman has recorded at least one RBI in each of his last four appearances with the Cubs as favorites against the Nationals.
• Dansby Swanson has recorded at least one hit in each of the Cubs’ last 12 games against NL opponents that held a losing record.
• Shota Imanaga has recorded seven or more strikeouts in six of his last seven home appearances.
• Patrick Wisdom has hit a home run in three of his last four home appearances against the Nationals after playing the previous day.
• Seiya Suzuki has recorded at least one Single in nine of his last 10 appearances against opponents that held a losing record.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Ildemaro Vargas has recorded at least one RBI in four of his last five appearances against NL Central opponents.
• Ildemaro Vargas has recorded at least one hit in each of his last nine appearances with the Nationals as underdogs against NL Central opponents.
• Joey Gallo has hit a home run in two of the Nationals’ last three games as underdogs.
• Luis Garcia has recorded at least one Single in seven of his last eight appearances in day games against teams that held a winning record.
• Jacob Young has scored at least one run in three of his last four road appearances against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
• Ildemaro Vargas has recorded at least one total base in each of his last nine appearances with the Nationals as underdogs against NL Central opponents.

Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs Prediction 

Washington was able to get a much-needed win on Saturday and they will look to tie the series here, but they are going up against a great pitcher. The Cubs are starting Shota Imanaga, who has been very solid for most of the year, and the Cubs are 5-0 in his last five starts. Washington is going with Jake Irvin, who has pitched better in his last two outings but has been inconsistent this season. Imanaga is the way more consistent pitcher, so I like the Cubs to win by at least two runs. 

David Racey's Pick: Cubs -1.5