The Cubs have received great starts already in this series from Tsuyoshi Wada and Kyle Hendricks, and tonight it’s Jon Lester’s turn to hold down the explosive Nats.
They’ll have Max Scherzer on the mound, which means runs will be at a premium. The Cubs are going with a re-vamped lineup, likely for tonight, only, including Junior Lake and David Ross getting starts, so hopefully they’re ready for a breakout. Chris Coghlan is tonight’s leadoff hitter.
Winner takes the series and bragging rights into tomorrow’s off-day.
Jorge Soler gets the day off, which gives him a nice two-day break.
Game Info
Washington Nationals (27-19) at Chicago Cubs (25-20), 7:05 CT on CSN, MLBN, and MLB.tv.
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down there in the comments, so have fun.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Max Scherzer (3.52 ERA, 3.01 FIP, 4.08 xFIP; 3.27 K/BB)
versus
Jon Lester (4.14 ERA, 3.45 FIP, 3.77 xFIP; 4.11 K/BB)
Washington Nationals Lineup
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Ian Desmond, SS
3. Yunel Escobar, 3B
4. Bryce Harper, RF
5. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
6. Wilson Ramos, C
7. Dan Uggla, 2B
8. Tyler Moore, LF
9. Max Scherzer, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Chris Coghlan, LF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Dexter Fowler, CF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Junior Lake, RF
7. David Ross, C
8. Jon Lester, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B