Nationals-Cubs Pointers

The Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Wrigley Field. The Nationals will trot Odalis Perez out to the mound in this one. Lefthander Perez has a 5-9 record and a 3.95 ERA this season. It'll be Ryan Dempster toeing the rubber for the Cubs in this contest. Righthander Dempster is 14-5 with a 2.92 ERA so far this season. Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total. Willie Harris hit a grand slam in a six-run inning as the Nationals crushed the Cubs 13-5 on Friday, as +235 underdogs. The game's 18 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (12). Aaron Boone hit a bases-loaded double to drive in three runs for the Nationals. John Lannan scattered five runs over 6 1-3 innings to earn the victory. Mark DeRosa went 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs for the Cubs, who had been favored at -270. Neal Cotts gave up two runs in relief and was tagged with the loss. Current streak: Washington has won 2 straight games. Team records: Washington: 46-83 SU Chicago: 78-50 SU Washington most recently: When playing on Saturday are 4-6 Before playing Chi Cubs are 5-5 After playing Chi Cubs are 3-7 After a win are 6-4 Chicago most recently: When playing on Saturday are 6-4 Before playing Washington are 7-3 After playing Washington are 5-5 After a loss are 8-2 A few trends to consider: Washington is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs Washington is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road Washington is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games Chi Cubs are 18-6 SU in their last 24 games Chi Cubs are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Washington Chi Cubs are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games at home Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Washington Next up: Chi Cubs home to Washington, Sunday, August 24