MLB Prediction Chicago Cubs vs Washington Nationals: The Washington Nationals (45-83) travel to Wrigley Field in Chicago, to take on the red-hot Cubs (78-49) for a three game set starting Friday at 1:20 PM CT (2:20 PM ET). The Nationals had lost 12 straight games before upsetting the Philadelphia Phillies (68-59, 2½ GB) on Thursday night (4-3). In game 1, the Chicago Cubs are -275 betting odds favorites against the struggling Washington Nationals (+235) at SportsBook.com.

With Thursday’s 3-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago has extended their NL Central lead to 5½ over the Milwaukee Brewers (73-55).

The Cubbies have now won 8 of their last 10 games played, and are almost indestructible at home with a mark of 47-18.

The Nationals come into Wrigley with the worse record in the majors, just ahead of the AL Seattle Mariners (46-81). However, Lou Pinella, and Friday’s starter isn’t taking Washington lightly.

Jason Marquis (8-7, 4.67 ERA), who gets the ball this afternoon, isn’t underestimating this inexperienced Nationals club: “you’ve got a lot of younger guys trying to make a name for themselves, guys getting called up and still wanting to end their season on a positive note, not only for their team, but for their individual stats… you’ve got to always be on your toes and be ready.”

For the Nationals, LHP John Lannan (6-12) will have the tall task of trying to contain this high-octane Chicago lineup. Despite his 6-12 record, Lannan (3.81 ERA) has proven to be a tough pitcher. He has been very effective especially in day games and against lefties, as his (2.76) ERA shows.

Will the Cubbies continue their winning ways at Wrigley? Or do the Washington Nationals have another upset in them? Jason Marquis hasn't been very consistent this year, can he hold off an aggressive Nationals lineup? Get your MLB Prediction: Chicago Cubs vs Washington Nationals now!

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