Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions June 5th 2025

Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs June 5th 2025

The Chicago Cubs will visit the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The game is set for a 6:45 PM start and will be broadcast on MARQ. Fans can expect very hot weather with a light breeze and overcast clouds.

Craig Counsell leads the Cubs, who hold a 38-23 record this season. They face Dave Martinez’s Nationals, who have a 29-32 record. Drew Pomeranz will start for the Cubs with an ERA of 0.00, while Jake Irvin takes the mound for the Nationals with a 3.93 ERA.

Cubs vs Nationals Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals
• Venue: Nationals Park in Washington, DC
• Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
• Betting Odds: Cubs MoneyLine -141, Nationals MoneyLine +119

The Cubs Can Win If…

The Chicago Cubs have shown they can win with their strong hitting. In their recent win against the Washington Nationals on June 3rd, they scored 8-3. Michael Busch led the way with a home run and three RBIs, while Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner added key hits.

The Cubs’ batting stats this season are among the best. They have a .260 batting average, ranking 2nd in the league. Their on-base percentage is .334, placing them 3rd, and they have hit 81 home runs, ranking 5th.

The Cubs’ starting pitcher, Drew Pomeranz, has been effective. He has a perfect ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.51. With a record of 2-0, Pomeranz can help the Cubs secure another win.

The Nationals Can Win If…

The Washington Nationals come into this game after a 2-0 win against the Chicago Cubs. MacKenzie Gore pitched seven strong innings, allowing just three hits and striking out seven. Amed Rosario and Nasim Nuñez contributed with key hits to drive in the runs needed for the win.

The Nationals have shown they can win with their pitching. Jake Irvin, their starter for this game, has a solid ERA of 3.93 and a WHIP of 1.17. He has a strong record of 5-1, which gives the Nationals a good chance to keep the Cubs’ bats quiet.

On offense, the Nationals have players like James Wood, who has 16 home runs and 45 RBIs this season. They rank 8th in doubles with 104, showing they can hit for extra bases. With players like CJ Abrams and Nathaniel Lowe also contributing, the Nationals have the lineup to score runs and win this game.

The Lean

The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -141 against the Nationals at +119. The Cubs have a higher batting average and on-base percentage, ranking 2nd and 3rd, respectively. With a projected score of Cubs 5, Nationals 4, the recommendation is to pick the Cubs to win straight up.

The over/under line is set at 9.5 runs. The Cubs have a better pitching record with a 3.82 ERA compared to the Nationals’ 4.99 ERA. Given the projected total score of 9 runs, the recommendation is to take the under 9.5.

Stay Ahead of the Diamond

MLB Data & Insights

Get Free Trial

Nationals’ Jake Irvin Seeks Fourth Straight Win in Finale vs. Cubs

The Washington Nationals are turning to their hottest starter — Jake Irvin — to clinch a series win Thursday afternoon against the visiting Chicago Cubs. Irvin (5-1, 3.93 ERA) is eyeing his fourth straight win, despite some recent turbulence in his last outing.

Irvin had been on a tear. On May 17, he allowed just two runs over 6 1/3 innings against the Orioles. Then he dazzled with eight scoreless innings against the Giants, giving up only three hits. But his most recent start against Arizona was a reminder that even the best have off nights — he gave up six runs on 10 hits in five innings, didn’t register a single strikeout, and only drew three swing-and-misses.

“I think a lot of that is probably getting into bad counts and not staying on the offensive,” Irvin admitted. “That’s not the way I like to pitch.”

Still, Washington pulled off a win, and Irvin got credit for the W — a testament to the team’s growing resilience.

Need sharp game-day picks? Browse the MLB Pick Page for insights and analysis.

Cubs Counter with Pomeranz as Opener

The Cubs are taking a more strategic route by starting left-hander Drew Pomeranz (2-0, 0.00 ERA) as an opener. Pomeranz has been lights-out in limited innings — 13 2/3 total — with 15 strikeouts, just four hits allowed, and zero earned runs.

He last pitched a perfect first inning on Saturday against the Reds, kicking off a combined one-hitter by the Cubs bullpen. On Thursday, he’ll set the tone once again before giving way to long relief.

The Nationals have seen more consistent production lately — winning five of their last seven games — and they’re now chasing their third straight series win.

Track starters, splits, and team trends on the MLB Team Page.

Nationals Bats Getting a Boost from Unexpected Heroes

Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Chicago was a showcase of depth and timely production. Amed Rosario and Nasim Nunez, both making their first starts in over a week, combined for the game’s only two RBIs. Rosario extended his hitting streak to nine games, during which he’s hitting .414 with a homer, three doubles, and six RBIs.

“We had guys step up who haven’t played much lately, and that’s what good teams do,” said MacKenzie Gore, who spun seven shutout innings to earn the win.

The Cubs had been red hot before that loss, winning seven of their last eight games. Wednesday was only their third time being shut out this season.

Seiya Suzuki kept his solid stretch alive with a hit and a walk. He’s hitting .340 across his last 14 games. Kyle Tucker, who’d started every game until jamming a finger, pinch-hit in the ninth but grounded out to end the game.

Want odds and recent line movement? Get the latest on the MLB Odds Page.

FAQ: Nationals vs. Cubs Series Finale