The Nats have dropped five straight series. They're starting Cory Abbott today, who's only made three starts this season. He did do very well in his first, but has struggled in the two that followed. Drew Smyly has looked good lately, posting a 2.42 ERA in his last five starts. Admittedly, both bullpens were very worked over the last two games between these teams, but I think the Cubs offense should give them the edge.

In a matchup of bad teams, the Nationals are far worse. Since inexplicably winning two against the Dodgers last month, the Nats have gone 5-14 with a negative-57 run differential. The Cubs are actually 13-10 in the second half with a plus-15 run differential, too. Cubs starter Drew Smyly has gone 11 2/3 scoreless innings in his last two starts and while I don't believe this is sustainable, the Nationals' offense is bad enough for it to continue here on a short-term basis. On the flip-side, Nationals starter Cory Abbott has given up 10 runs on 11 hits in 7 2/3 innings in his last two starts.

The Nats are on a 3-10 skid after Tuesday's extra-inning loss. Wednesday's starter, Cory Abbott, has been terrible in his last two starts, allowing eight walks, four homers and 10 earned runs over 7.2 innings. Cubs lefty Drew Smyly has a 2.20 ERA in day games this season and a 2.63 career ERA in five appearances at Nationals Park. He'll face a Nats lineup that ranks seventh-worst in OPS against southpaws. And for most of the season, Washington had Juan Soto and Josh Bell; now they're Padres. Lay the price.