Chicago @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 8, 2018 ) Chi. Cubs 3, Washington 10

David Bote’s role has been reduced since Kris Bryant returned from the disabled list, but the Chicago Cubs might have to find a way to work him into the lineup for the remainder of their four-game set against the host Washington Nationals. Bote and the Cubs have had a knack coming up big late against the Nationals, and they’ll try to record at least one more victory in the season series after Friday night's rainout when they visit Washington for a doubleheader Saturday.

Bote, who hit a walk-off grand slam to beat the Nationals on Aug. 12, was clutch again when he delivered a go-ahead RBI double in the 10th inning of Thursday’s 6-4 victory. The Cubs have won 12 of their last 16 and lead the National League Central by four games over Milwaukee. The Nationals have dropped six of their last eight to fall three games below .500 for the first time since April 30. Washington is 3-8 in extra-inning affairs.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Cole Hamels (9-9, 3.67 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jefry Rodriguez (2-2, 5.58)

Chicago lost for the first time in seven starts made by Hamels on Monday at Milwaukee, although he was not involved in the decision after yielding two runs across six innings. The 2008 World Series MVP had yielded no more than one run in any of his first six outings since coming over from Texas and has yet to surrender a home run as a Cub after giving up 23 in his 20 previous turns. Hamels settled for a no-decision against Washington on Aug. 12 despite permitting one hit and fanning nine over seven innings.

Washington manager Dave Martinez was undecided about his starter for the nightcap as of early Saturday morning, although Rodriguez is the most likely candidate and will be six days removed from his most recent outing. The 25-year-old's last appearance did not go well, however, as he was pounded for seven runs on seven hits while issuing seven walks across 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Milwaukee. Rodriguez is 1-1 with a 6.93 ERA in six career home appearances (five starts) and will face the Cubs for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals SS Trea Turner (12-for-35) and OF Adam Eaton (12-for-38) extended their hitting streaks to eight games on Thursday.

2. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo has recorded multiple hits in four of his last five games, going 9-for-16 over that stretch.

3. Chicago 2B-OF Ben Zobrist is 16-for-41 with six multi-hit performances in his last 11 contests.

PREDICTION: Cubs 8, Nationals 1