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Weekend Fantasy Preview: Cubs, Phillies & Nationals in Action

<h1 data-start="183" data-end="270">Saturday in the National League: Old Arms, New Angles, and Betting Value on the Board</h1>
<h2 data-start="272" data-end="341">Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins: Chaos on the Mound, Offense in the Forecast</h2>
Pitching Matchup: Trevor Williams (WSH) vs. Miami Bullpen (Opener: Cade Gibson)
The Nationals welcome the Marlins in a matchup that feels more like a scramble than a showdown. Miami, still patching together their rotation, is expected to open with veteran Gibson, but the real story is how they’ll cover 6+ innings from the bullpen. Meanwhile, Washington’s Williams has struggled mightily in June, failing to complete five innings in back-to-back starts while allowing hard contact across the board.
Friday’s game saw nearly 20 combined runs, and Saturday could be more of the same. It’s hot, the ball is flying, and neither side is putting up much resistance on the mound.
<h3 data-start="1044" data-end="1064">Betting Outlook:</h3>
<ul data-start="1065" data-end="1380">
<li data-start="1065" data-end="1207">
Over 9.5 Runs – This total is climbing, and for good reason. The Marlins are improvising, and Williams is a fade until proven otherwise.
</li>
<li data-start="1208" data-end="1380">
Nationals Team Total Over 5.5 – Miami’s bulk arms are below league average, and Washington&#8217;s bats (led by CJ Abrams and James Wood) have feasted on weaker pitching.
</li>
</ul>
Watch for Live Betting Value: If the game stays close early, second-half overs are in play once the weakest bullpen arms enter.
<hr data-start="1515" data-end="1518" />
<h2 data-start="1520" data-end="1584">Cubs vs. Pirates: Throwback Weekend, Light Bats, Heavy Unders</h2>
Pitching Matchup: Matthew Boyd (CHC) vs. Mike Burrows (PIT)
Welcome to 2019&#8230; or maybe 2016? The Cubs are trotting out Boyd, while the Pirates turn to Burrows, giving this one a strong “pitching time capsule” vibe. The Pirates’ offense remains one of the weakest in baseball, and Boyd has surprisingly looked sharp in his last two starts, mixing a refined slider and pitching with command.
<h3 data-start="2223" data-end="2243">Betting Outlook:</h3>
<ul data-start="2244" data-end="2639">
<li data-start="2244" data-end="2394">
Under 8.5 Runs – Both teams rank in the bottom five in runs per game this month. Pace of play could be fast, and scoring chances will be scarce.
</li>
<li data-start="2395" data-end="2538">
First 5 Innings Tie (+500) – This is a sneaky good value with two inconsistent offenses and middling starters likely to hold serve early.
</li>
<li data-start="2539" data-end="2639">
Cubs ML (-130) – Slight edge to Chicago with Boyd in form and Pittsburgh’s bullpen shaky late.
</li>
</ul>
Fantasy Note: Boyd is under-rostered in mixed leagues. If he&#8217;s still on your wire, he’s worth a speculative add.
<hr data-start="2759" data-end="2762" />
<h2 data-start="2764" data-end="2833">Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays: Cristopher Sanchez Sparkles, Zack Wheeler Awaits on Sunday</h2>
Pitching Matchup: Sanchez (PHI) vs. Bowden Francis (TOR)
The Phillies took Game 1 of the series in dominant fashion and look poised to roll again Saturday. Sanchez has quietly emerged as a mid-rotation gem, and he draws a dream matchup against Francis, who has struggled mightily when pressed into starting duty.
Toronto has dropped four of five and now faces a red-hot Philadelphia club with the league’s best home record. If you’re the Blue Jays, this weekend feels like a turning point — and not in a good way.
<h3 data-start="3395" data-end="3415">Betting Outlook:</h3>
<ul data-start="3416" data-end="3803">
<li data-start="3416" data-end="3522">
Phillies -1.5 Run Line (-110) – Clear edge on the mound, in lineup production, and recent momentum.
</li>
<li data-start="3523" data-end="3668">
Over 4.5 Phillies Runs – Francis has not shown the ability to work deep into games, and the Jays bullpen is gassed after Friday’s beatdown.
</li>
<li data-start="3669" data-end="3803">
Kyle Schwarber Home Run Prop (+350) – He’s owned right-handers like Francis and tends to go on heater streaks this time of year.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="3805" data-end="3808" />
<h2 data-start="3810" data-end="3851">Saturday Wrap: Where to Find the Value</h2>
<ul data-start="3853" data-end="4078">
<li data-start="3853" data-end="3905">
Best Bet: Phillies -1.5 RL – Total mismatch.
</li>
<li data-start="3906" data-end="3990">
Sharp Angle: Under 8.5 in Cubs/Pirates – Two cold lineups, one vintage Boyd.
</li>
<li data-start="3991" data-end="4078">
High Risk/Reward: Nationals/Marlins Over 9.5 – Weather + weak pitching = chaos.
</li>
</ul>
As Father’s Day weekend heats up, Saturday’s slate gives bettors plenty of edges — if you know where to look. From vintage arms in Chicago to a Phillies lineup on fire, the value is there for the taking.
You can read all about what&#8217;s going on in Major League Baseball at <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl" target='_blank' rel="noopener">SportsGrid.com</a>.
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This weekend, there will be plenty of games to keep you entertained, including those involving the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs.

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