As the weekend approaches, two National League rivals are set to clash in a series that promises excitement. The Chicago Cubs travel to Washington D.C. to face the Washington Nationals for three games starting Friday night. Chicago recently completed a thrilling series against the Pirates, winning 14-10 in a dramatic comeback. Meanwhile, Washington secured a solid 5-2 victory over the Yankees in their last game, marking a competitive moment for both teams. Earlier this season, the Cubs won two out of three games against the Nationals in July.
Cubs Aim to Extend Winning Streak on the Road
Chicago is currently riding high with a record of 5-1 on their ongoing nine-game road trip. Entering this matchup, they hold a season record of 68-66, placing them second in the NL Central and nine games behind the division-leading Brewers. They are also 5.5 games behind the Braves for the last wild card position in the National League playoffs. In their last game, the Cubs demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming a 10-3 deficit after six innings. Pete Crow-Armstrong stood out with four hits and four runs, while Ian Happ and Christian Bethancourt contributed significantly to the offensive effort. Bethancourt’s performance included a home run and seven RBIs, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess. Pitcher Kyle Hendricks struggled but did not take the loss, while Porter Hodge earned the win after two scoreless innings of relief.
Shota Imanaga is scheduled to start for the Cubs, marking his 25th appearance of the season. He currently boasts an impressive record of 10-3, along with a 3.08 ERA and 140 strikeouts over 140.1 innings pitched. His last outing against the Marlins saw him secure a win after throwing seven strong innings. This matchup against the Nationals will be Imanaga’s first career start at Nationals Park, adding an intriguing element to the game.
Nationals Looking to Capitalize on Recent Success
The Washington Nationals are entering this series with momentum, having won three of their last four games. They currently sit at 61-73, placing them fourth in the NL East, and trailing the division-leading Phillies by 17.5 games. In their recent victory over the Yankees, several young players shined, including Dylan Crews, who not only contributed two RBIs but also hit his first major league home run. MacKenzie Gore earned the win, showing strong command on the mound.
Jake Irvin is set to take the mound for Washington, making his 28th start of the season. With a record of 9-10 and a 3.80 ERA, Irvin has been a steady presence in the Nationals’ rotation. In his last outing against the Braves, he pitched 5.1 innings without factoring into the decision. Irvin has faced the Cubs once before this season, and he will look to improve upon his overall statistics at Nationals Park, where he has struggled historically.
Betting Insights for Cubs vs. Nationals
Both teams are showing promise as they head into this matchup. The Cubs have been particularly strong in August, with a record of 16-8 and an impressive offensive output, averaging just under six runs per game. Washington’s youthful roster, featuring talents like Crews and Wood, has been gaining valuable experience and confidence. With Imanaga’s recent form, the Cubs will be challenging to contain offensively. However, the Nationals will look to leverage their home-field advantage and youthful energy. Ultimately, the Cubs’ offensive capabilities may give them the edge in this competitive series.
