The Nationals and Cubs are wrapping up their midweek series with an early afternoon game. It won't be the 1st game of the day, but it's always nice not having to wait as long for the games to begin. Both teams were topics of discussion over the past week, primarily regarding recent trades. The Nats sent Juan Soto and Josh Bell to San Diego, while the Cubs held on to Willson Contreras and Ian Happ. Despite their recent attention, it's likely short-lived as neither looks set for a postseason run. Therefore, let's take advantage of this matchup while we have it. Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total for all of today's games.
Nationals +1.5 (-135)
Under 8.5 total runs (-125)
Victor Robles to record a hit (-200)
Parlay odds: +390
Let's take a closer look at each leg of our same game parlay.
Washington Nationals +1.5 (-135) over Chicago Cubs
It's been difficult finding value with the Nationals recently, but they have an opportunity for back-to-back good games. That's largely due to them having their best option on the mound, Josiah Gray. Washington has been notorious for their terrible starting pitching this season, but that has not been due to Gray. Patrick Corbin and his 16 losses are 4 more than any other pitcher, 1 of which is fellow-National Joan Adon. With each of them having an ERA over 7.0, that's what has the Nat's team ERA so terrible. Gray is at least out to reach a .500 record for himself at 8-8, and has led Washington to some great upsets.'
The most recent was against his former team and league-best Dodgers just 2 weeks ago. Just 2 weeks prior to that was another upset over the division-rival Phillies. The fact that the upset over the Dodgers was without Soto and Bell provides even more confidence for today's game. Cubs lefty starter Justin Steele has pitched just 4.2 and 3.2 innings in his last 2 starts, which exposes Chicago's weak bullpen far more than they would prefer. One of those starts was also a loss to a depleted Giants lineup, and the most recent was a close 1-run win over a Marlins team that is the worst lineup in the league against lefties. The Nats don't provide value often, so let's take advantage of it while Corbin is not on the mound.'