Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs 5/20/21 - MLB Picks & Predictions

Historic Wrigley Field will play host to a Thursday afternoon MLB clash between the Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs. On Wednesday, OF Juan Soto homered as part of a three-hit night to spark Washington to a 4-3 road victory against Chicago. SP Max Scherzer (4-2) struck out eight batters in five innings to earn the win for the Nationals (17-22).

Hard-throwing righty Joe Ross (2-3 5.80 ERA) will draw the starting assignment for the Nationals in this contest. Washington has lost each of Ross’ last three starts and he has surrendered 12 runs over his last 14 plus frames.

The Chicago Cubs have won 15 of their first 24 home games and trail St. Louis by 3.5 games for the NL Central Division lead. Last night, Chicago struck out 13 times and left nine men on base. SS Javier Baez hit his tenth home run of the season in a losing effort for the Cubs, who fell to 21-21 on the year.

Chicago manager David Ross will turn to veteran right-hander Trevor Williams (2-2 6.27 ERA) on Thursday. In his last three starts, Williams has lasted just eight plus innings total while being charged with 11 runs.