Chicago @ Washington preview
Nationals Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 6, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 2, Washington 9
The Washington Nationals are starting to play like the team they were expected to be and they will try to continue their recent momentum — and their four-game winning streak — when they begin a three-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Friday. The Nationals wrapped up a two-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers with a 5-4 win Thursday, and they've won six of seven after losing seven of their previous 10.
The Cubs, on the other hand, have been exactly as expected -- the worst team in the National League Central. They had a modest two-game winning streak snapped with a 5-4 loss to St. Louis on Wednesday and have lost five of their last seven. Chicago already has eight one-run defeats and 10 losses in games it led at some point. The Nationals have won the past four meetings and claimed six of seven from the Cubs in 2012.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), MASN (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (1-4, 3.09 ERA) vs. LH Ross Detwiler (1-3, 2.50)
Samardzija has racked up 52 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings, but he's still looking for his first win since Opening Day. He lost four straight starts before taking no-decisions in his past two outings. He was in position for a win, after holding Cincinnati to two runs (one earned) over six innings last time out, but the bullpen couldn't hold on. Samardzija is 1-1 with a 1.48 ERA in nine games (two starts) against the Nationals.
Detwiler has lost three straight starts, and the Nationals have scored a total of three runs in those games. After going six or more innings in his first four outings, he has lasted only five in his last two starts. Detwiler allowed three runs on six hits in a 3-1 loss at Pittsburgh his last time out. Detwiler is 2-1 with a 2.60 ERA in three starts against the Cubs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs manager Dale Sveum officially named RH Kevin Gregg the team's closer Wednesday. Gregg has converted all five of his save opportunities since signing April 14, and he has not allowed a run in 8 1/3 innings over nine appearances.
2. Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman is 0-for-11 with three strikeouts against Samardzija. Zimmerman went 3-for-4 Thursday to raise his average 30 points to .239.
3. Cubs OF Scott Hairston has had Detwiler's number, going 5-for-9 with three doubles and a homer against him.
PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Cubs 3