Nico Hoerner will be looking to extend his 26-game on-base streak as the Chicago Cubs (15-13) match up against the Washington Nationals (10-18) at Nationals Park on Tuesday. The Cubs took Monday’s series opener 5-1.
Starter Drew Smyly got the win, giving up one run on six hits over seven innings. Dansby Swanson was 3 for 5 with a home run and a double in the win. He drove in two runs. Ian Happ added a solo home run. Lane Thomas went 1 for 3 with a solo home run for the Nationals.
ON THE MOUND
Hayden Wesneski (2-1, 5.24 ERA) is set to get the start for Chicago. The RHP allowed one run over five innings in his last start, a 5-2 road win over the Padres on Thursday.
He was credited with the win, yielding four hits while striking out three and walking one.Right-hander Trevor Williams (1-1, 4.10 ERA) is on the mound for Washington.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cubs. Williams made two appearances against the Cubs in 2022, both in relief, striking out 12 and walking one over 7.1 innings (0-0, 1.23).
In his last start on Thursday, Williams took a no-decision on the road against the Mets. He threw five innings and gave up four runs on nine hits, striking out four and walking two in the 9-8 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged only 4.2 runs a game, down from their season average of 5.4, partially due to declining on-base performance (.337 vs .346). Against righties like Williams this season, the Cubs have a .772 OPS.
Happ is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a 1.083 OPS in 71 at-bats. Washington is averaging 4.0 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 3.8 for the season.
The Nats have a .626 OPS against right-handers in 2023, third lowest in the league. With a .806 OPS over 65 at-bats, Keibert Ruiz has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 7-5 away from home in 2023, scoring 6.0 runs per game while allowing 3.0 runs. Washington has gone 3-12 at home this season, averaging 2.9 runs per game while surrendering 5.9. Chicago is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at Nationals Park with an average scoreline of 5.5-4.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are third in the NL Central, four games behind the division-leading Pirates. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, eight games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago Cubs (-145)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
