NEWSLETTER
After an off-day, the Cubs open up a three-game set in Washington. The last time they were here, the Cubs were absolutely blasted by the Nationals, and the Cubs picked a fight. Hopefully this series has at least that much excitement, but maybe with less of the beat down.
I’d been wondering how Dale Sveum would manage his “against lefties” lineup now that Dave Sappelt is down in Iowa. I approve of today’s solution, which has Starlin Castro taking the leadoff spot (against lefties? sure, that’s fine), and Ryan Sweeney playing in center in place of David DeJesus. Sweeney is theoretically better defensively in center than DeJesus, and might be a touch better against lefties (though not great).
No Bryce Harper for the Nationals today.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (13-21) at Washington Nationals (19-15), 6:05 CT on WGN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. You should participate in the madness. And, of course, for those who aren’t into message board-style game threads, please feel free to use the comments on this post for your in-game commentary/outbursts.
The Series Preview for this series lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Jeff Samardzija (1-4, 3.09 ERA, 3.06 K/BB)
versus
Ross Detwiler (1-3, 2.50 ERA, 2.63 K/BB)
Washington Nationals Lineup
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Roger Bernadina, RF
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Adam LaRoche, 1B
5. Ian Desmond, SS
6. Danny Espinosa, 2B
7. Tyler Moore, LF
8. Kurt Suzuki, C
9. Ross Detwiler, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Starlin Castro, SS
2. Cody Ransom, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Scott Hairston, RF
6. Welington Castillo, C
7. Ryan Sweeney, CF
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Jeff Samardzija, P
