Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions June 3rd 2025

Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs June 3rd 2025

The Chicago Cubs visit the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The game starts at 6:45 PM and will be aired on MARQ. The weather forecast predicts a warm evening with scattered clouds and calm winds.

The Cubs, led by manager Craig Counsell, hold a strong 37-22 record this season. They have performed well both at home and on the road. The Nationals, managed by Dave Martinez, have a 28-31 record and are nine games back in the NL East. Cubs pitcher Cade Horton, with a 3.98 ERA, faces off against Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams, who has a 5.69 ERA.

Cubs vs Nationals Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals
• Venue: Nationals Park in Washington, DC
• Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
• Betting Odds: Cubs MoneyLine -152, Nationals MoneyLine +127

The Cubs Can Win If…

The Chicago Cubs are coming off a 7-3 win against the Cincinnati Reds. Jameson Taillon pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing only 3 hits and 2 earned runs. Michael Busch was a standout, going 2 for 2 with a home run and 3 RBIs.

The Cubs have a strong batting lineup, ranking 2nd in batting average and on-base percentage this season. They also rank 3rd in slugging percentage and have hit 80 home runs, which is 4th in the league. Their ability to get on base and hit for power gives them a good chance to win.

Cade Horton will start for the Cubs, bringing a 3.98 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. He faces Trevor Williams of the Nationals, who has a higher ERA of 5.69. With a solid starting pitcher and a strong batting lineup, the Cubs have a good opportunity to win this game.

The Nationals Can Win If…

The Washington Nationals recently played against the Arizona Diamondbacks and lost 3-1. Mitchell Parker pitched five innings, giving up three runs on three hits. CJ Abrams and Robert Hassell III each contributed a hit, but the team couldn’t overcome the Diamondbacks’ pitching.

Despite the loss, the Nationals have shown strong offensive capabilities in previous games. They scored 11 runs on 13 hits against the Diamondbacks on May 31st. James Wood leads the team with 16 home runs and 44 RBIs, making him a key player to watch.

Washington ranks 7th in the league for doubles with 100 this season. Their ability to hit for extra bases can be a game-changer. With Trevor Williams starting, the Nationals will look to bounce back and secure a win at home.

The Lean

The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -152 against the Nationals at +127. Given the Cubs’ strong hitting stats, ranking second in batting average and on-base percentage, they have the edge. The Nationals’ pitching struggles with a 5.02 ERA, ranked 26th. My model projects the Cubs to win 6-4, making the Cubs a solid pick.

The over/under line is set at 9.0 runs. The Cubs’ solid offense and the Nationals’ pitching woes suggest a high-scoring game. With the Cubs projected to score 6 and the Nationals 4, the total comes to 10. This supports taking the over at 9.0 for this

Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals

Two of the National League’s hottest offenses are set to clash as the streaking Chicago Cubs open a nine-game road trip with a three-game series against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. Both teams have been on an impressive run, setting the stage for a compelling series opener. For all the latest data and figures across the league, you can refer to comprehensive MLB statistics and standings.

Chicago Cubs: Riding a Hot Streak

The Chicago Cubs arrive in Washington atop the NL Central, having won 12 of their past 15 games, including taking two of three from the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend. Their offense has been particularly consistent, with different players stepping up daily. In their most recent 7−3 victory over the Reds, Michael Busch hit a home run and drove in three runs, while Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner each contributed three hits. Manager Craig Counsell praised the team’s balanced attack: “Just a bunch of different guys. Different guys every day. That’s how you’re consistent offensively.” The Cubs currently boast an overall record of 34−21 as of June 3, 2025, leading the NL Central by 3.5 games. Their offense ranks 6th in MLB with 280 runs scored and 5th in batting average at .262. They are also 7th in home runs with 62.

A concern for the Cubs is outfielder Kyle Tucker, who jammed his right ring finger stealing a base on Sunday. X-rays were negative, and while he’s day-to-day, his potential absence would be felt. Tucker has been a major contributor, batting .284 with 12 home runs, 10 doubles, four triples, 44 runs scored, 39 RBIs, 40 walks (against 32 strikeouts), and 16 stolen bases.

Washington Nationals: Offensive Surge Continues

The Washington Nationals are also on an upswing, having completed a successful 4−2 road trip after taking two of three from the Arizona Diamondbacks. This recent run has seen them win 10 of their last 14 games since May 16, propelling them ahead of the Atlanta Braves and into third place in the NL East with a record of 29−27 as of June 3, 2025. Nationals second baseman Luis García Jr. emphasized the team’s belief: “It was very important. It just shows that we’re a team that can compete and that has a lot of talent.”

Washington’s improved offense has been a key factor, led by James Wood, who is on pace for 44 home runs, and the recent arrival of Robert Hassell III, who batted .333 during his first major league road trip and is hitting .268 over his first 10 career games with a home run and six RBIs. Manager Dave Martinez attributes the success to a focused approach: “We’re swinging at better pitches. We’re getting the ball up. And we are really focused on using the whole field, staying in the middle of the field. When we can do that, you can see we hit the ball pretty good.” The Nationals’ offense has scored 245 runs this season, placing them 14th in MLB, with a team batting average of .248 (12th overall) and 49 home runs (25th overall).

Pitching Matchup: Horton vs. Williams

Chicago rookie right-hander Cade Horton (2−0, 3.98 ERA) is slated to start for the Cubs. Horton, the Cubs’ first-round pick in 2022, is making his fifth appearance and fourth major league start after starting the season in Triple-A due to a shoulder injury. In his last outing against the Colorado Rockies, the 23-year-old allowed two runs on four hits over six innings in a no-decision. Through 201/3 innings, he has struck out 16 batters, walked four, and given up four home runs.

Washington will counter with right-hander Trevor Williams (3−5, 5.69 ERA). Williams, who struggled through most of May, is coming off his best start of the season. On Wednesday, he threw six shutout innings, allowing only three hits in a win against the Seattle Mariners, with two strikeouts and no walks. Williams has a career record of 4−8 with a 4.55 ERA in 18 appearances (14 starts) against the Cubs.

Match Outlook

This series opener promises to be an exciting offensive showcase. Both teams are hot at the plate, and while both starting pitchers are looking to build on recent positive outings, their ERAs suggest potential for runs. The Cubs’ consistent offensive depth will challenge Williams, while the Nationals’ burgeoning young hitters will test Horton. Given the recent form of both offenses, this game could be a high-scoring affair. For more in-depth analysis and expert opinions, check out the MLB Expert Betting Guide.