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The Chicago Cubs seek a series victory this afternoon when they host the Washington Nationals at historic Wrigley Field.
Washington has already whiffed a ton during this series, and my Nationals vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks expect Shota Imanaga to take full advantage of this today.
Nationals vs Cubs predictions
Nationals vs Cubs best bet: Shota Imanaga Over 4.5 strikeouts (-120)
Shota Imanaga owns a 24.6% whiff rate, showing he consistently misses bats and generates swings and misses. That gives him a strong edge in this matchup against the Washington Nationals.
Imanaga throws strikes, limits walks (1.53 per nine), and works efficiently enough to pitch into the middle innings. He doesn’t need a dominant outing to get there, just his typical steady execution.
With Washington already prone to strikeouts, the opportunities should be there throughout his outing. This sets up as a solid spot for Imanaga to reach five strikeouts.
Covers
COVERS INTEL:
Shota Imanaga spun 7.28 strikeouts per nine frames in 2025 and followed this up this spring with 18 punchouts across 20 innings.
Nationals vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Jake Irvin allowed nearly two home runs per nine innings pitched in 2025, and with the wind blowing out to left, he could have trouble with this Chicago Cubs lineup. I like Imanaga to pitch well, and if he does, Chicago should have no issues winning.
Michael Busch drove in a run on Opening Day and has four hits and two RBI across 11 career at-bats against today’s starter.
Nationals vs Cubs SGP
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Shota Imanaga Over 4.5 strikeouts
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Michael Busch Over 0.5 RBI
Nationals vs Cubs home run pick: Michael Busch (+250)
Busch bashed 34 bombs in 2025. He’s already batting .500 on the season but hasn’t left the yard yet.
That could change today. Irvin coughed up nearly two home runs per nine frames in 2025, and left-handed bats slugged .500 with a .384 wOBA across 100 2/3 innings.
As previously mentioned, Busch has already tasted success against Irvin, and he’s lit up the Nats pitchers during this series.
2026 Transparency record
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Best bets: 0-1, -1.0 units
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HR picks: 0-1, -1.0 units
Nationals vs Cubs odds
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Moneyline: Washington +200 | Chicago -245
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Run line: Washington +1.5 (+100) | Chicago -1.5 (-120)
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Over/Under: Over 9.5 | Under 9.5
Nationals vs Cubs trend
The Cubs have cashed the moneyline in 42 of their last 64 home games for +9.55 units and a 9% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Nationals vs. Cubs.
How to watch Nationals vs Cubs and game info
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Location |
Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
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Date |
Sunday, March 29, 2026 |
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First pitch |
2:20 p.m. ET |
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TV |
Nationals TV, Marquee |
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Nationals starting pitcher |
Jake Irvin |
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Cubs starting pitcher |
Shota Imanaga |
Nationals vs Cubs latest injuries
Nationals vs Cubs weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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