NLDS Game 2 Free Pick Cubs at Nationals

Washington Desperately Needs This Saturday Afternoon Tilt

Carl Taylor
NLDS game 2 free pick Cubs Nationals
Bryant was huge on both offense and defense as the Cubs jumped out to a 1-0 series lead.

Washington finds themselves down in the NLDS 0-1 as they were unable to solve the wizardry of Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks last night. Even as the Nationals sent Stephen Strasburg to the mound in game one, it was Hendricks who looked like the ace allowing only two hits. Seasoned postseason veteran Jon Lester takes the mound for Chicago in game two while Dusty Baker counters with Gio Gonzalez for Washington. The NLDS Game 2 Free Pick Cubs Nationals is setting up to be a good one.

Chicago Seems to Be in the Driver’s Seat

The Cubs really are playing with no pressure this offseason as they snapped a 108 year championship drought winning the 2016 World Series. it showed, as although Strasburg was dealing last night (10K, 3H in 7.0 IP) Chicago waited for their opportunity and struck with two outs in the sixth thanks to back to back RBI singles from Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. Chicago seems to be in a good place for the NLDS Game 2 Free Pick Cubs at Nationals   as they send Jon Lester to the mound making his 20th career postseason start.

Lester has had success against the Nationals, allowing only 1ER in a June matchup this season and  3ER while pitching into the 7th later on in August. Washington for their careers are hitting only .224 against Lester and that includes their stars with Bryce Harper (.143), Anthony Rendon (.200) and Daniel Murphy (.273) having limited success against the lefty.

NLDS Game 2 Free Pick Cubs Nationals – How Does Washington Respond?

The hard throwing lefty Gonzalez is a postseason enigma. Image Rights USA Today Sports

Gio Gonzalez makes the start for Washington, being pushed up a game as ace Max Scherzer recovers from a hamstring injury. Gonzalez was dominant against the Cubs in his only start against them this year giving up just 1ER on 2 hits at Wrigley in June. Gonzalez has started just four postseason games in the past and has a 3.93 ERA. Last year against the Dodgers he allowed 3 ER in just 4.1 IP in his only October start.

Gonzalez did issue the second most walks in baseball this year and the Cubs pride themselves on being patient at the plate, drawing the second most BOB in the league. The Cubs however are hitting a microscopic .191 against Gonzalez in their careers. A few of last nights heroes have struggled too, especially Bryant (.200), Rizzo (.091) and Javier Baez (.000).

NLDS Game 2 Free Pick Cubs Nationals Betting

Although Chicago has struggled hitting against Gonzalez, this game would still seem to favor the Cubs. Regardless, oddsmakers have set Washington at a -122 favorite. Regardless, 56% of the bettors still like Washington to tie up the series in a must win game as they have Max Scherzer going on Monday afternoon.

You can’t underestimate how lifeless the Washington bats were last night though. Lester is way past getting nervous for postseason games at this point in his career and the Cubs are playing carefree baseball – whereas Washington may be pressing a bit. The ‘under’ 8.5 looks real good in this pitching matchup but the real value for the NLDS Game 2 Free Pick Cubs Nationals is in the champs – until they prove us wrong.

Pick: Chicago Cubs +114

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