Nationals vs Cubs Prediction 13 August 2026
📡 Washington are looking to avoid a home sweep after two high-scoring games in which the Cubs racked up 20 runs. Chicago are on a hot streak, having won eight of their last nine matchups, but the third game presents a much more favorable scenario for the hosts. The Nationals send Cade Cavalli to the mound with a 3.57 ERA, while the visitors counter with Kevin Gausman, who holds a 4.29 ERA. This edge on the mound gives Washington a real chance to shift the momentum of the series.
Head-to-Head
📊 The last 10 head-to-head games are split evenly at 5-5. This season, Washington have already beaten the Cubs 10-4 and 6-3, but Chicago took the two most recent meetings, 8-6 and 12-6. The H2H record doesn’t offer a clear edge to either side, which makes the starting pitching matchup all the more crucial.
Head-to-head statistics Nationals - Cubs
Washington Nationals Team Overview
The Nationals sit at 59-63 and have dropped the first two games of the series, with pitching proving to be their biggest issue-having allowed 20 runs. However, their offense hasn’t stalled: Washington have put up six runs in back-to-back outings. For the hosts to get back on track, they need to drastically limit the Cubs’ output, and Cavalli offers a far better chance of doing so than the previous starting pitchers.
Match Results: Washington Nationals
Chicago Cubs Team Overview
Chicago are on a roll, having won eight of their last nine games. In Game 2 of the series, Alex Bregman stood out with three home runs and seven RBIs. The Cubs pose a threat throughout their lineup and have already punished Washington’s pitching mistakes twice. However, Game 3 presents a tougher starting matchup, so another high-scoring affair with 8-12 runs seems far less likely this time.
Match Results: Chicago Cubs
⚾ Starting Pitchers
Cade Cavalli gets the start for Washington, entering with a 9-5 record, a 3.57 ERA, and 141 strikeouts. His season has been noticeably more consistent than Gausman's, and it’s especially important for the hosts that Cavalli is capable of pitching deep into games, reducing the workload on the middle relievers.
Kevin Gausman takes the mound for Chicago with a 6-10 record, a 4.29 ERA, and 131 strikeouts. While he still boasts strong strikeout potential, Gausman has been less reliable than Cavalli this year and has allowed more runs. Washington have already put up six runs twice in this series, so there should be opportunities for their bats again tonight.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
The Cubs are clearly in better form right now, with eight wins in their last nine games, so backing the home side carries some risk. However, Washington have already twice shown they can put up six runs against this pitching, and now they hold the key advantage in the starting pitcher matchup. Cavalli boasts a 3.57 ERA compared to Gausman’s 4.29 and has a much stronger win-loss record. The last 10 head-to-head meetings are split evenly at 5-5, so recent history doesn’t point strongly in either direction. If Cavalli can withstand Chicago’s early pressure, the Nationals have a solid chance to take control with their offense in the later innings. We’re picking a Washington Nationals win.
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Betting Tips: Washington Nationals - Chicago Cubs
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