Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals Prediction 7-17-23 MLB Picks

The Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs meet in MLB action from Wrigley Field on Monday. Let’s dive into the odds, starting pitching matchup, history and make a prediction for this game.

Odds

Chicago is listed as a -145 home favorite while Washington is a +125 road underdog. 

Starting Pitching Matchup

MacKenzie Gore will start for the Nationals here and is 4-7 with a 4.42 ERA and 108 strikeouts this season. Drew Smyly will start for the Cubs and is 7-6 with a 4.31 ERA and 79 strikeouts this season. 

Matchup History

Washington’s 4-3 win over the Cubs on May 4th, made it three straight wins for the Nationals in this head-to-head matchup.

Trends

Washington is 3-7 in their last 10 games overall while the over is 4-1 in their last 5 road games. Chicago is 1-4 in their last 5 home games while the over is 5-0 in their last 5 games overall. 

Pick

I’m on the Nationals here. I will admit I was slightly let down by the Nationals performance for the better part of the weekend against St. Louis, but they’ve still been one of the better teams against lefties in the month of July and Drew Smyly hasn’t been much of a shutdown arm for the Cubs if we’re being honest. MacKenzie Gore hasn’t been a whole lot better but I’m not about to lay any sort of juice with this Cubs team. Give me the Nationals.