Chicago @ Washington preview
Nationals Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 8, 2018 ) Chi. Cubs 5, Washington 6
The Chicago Cubs hope to rebound from a sour, soggy Saturday when they play the finale of their four-game road series against the Washington Nationals on Sunday. The Nationals swept a doubleheader from the Cubs on Saturday, reducing their lead over Milwaukee in the National League Central to 2 1/2 games.
The Cubs, who already were frustrated by the handling of Friday's game - which was rained out after one inning and bumped to Saturday, were foiled by rain again Saturday. The teams played through steady rain for much of the second game of the doubleheader, with Chicago building a 4-0 lead on Victor Caratini’s grand slam before Washington chipped away and took a 6-5 advantage on Bryce Harper’s two-run blast in the seventh before play was suspended. The Nationals quickly finished off the 6-5 victory after another lengthy delay, making for a quick turnaround before the finale. The sweep evened the season series at three wins apiece.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, TBS, MASN (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (4-5, 3.85 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Erick Fedde (1-3, 6.00)
Montgomery has recorded only one win since June 29 and allowed six runs over 8 1/3 innings in two starts since returning from the disabled list. The 29-year-old gave up two runs over four frames in a loss at Milwaukee last time out. Montgomery has made two relief appearances against the Nationals, allowing one run in 1 2/3 innings.
Fedde returned from a two-month stint on the disabled list to face St. Louis on Tuesday. The 25-year-old matched his career high with seven strikeouts and allowed four runs over five frames in a no-decision. Fedde faced the Cubs last season, giving up four runs while registering seven strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings of a no-decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs LHP Jon Lester will start Monday’s series opener against Milwaukee after pitching only one inning Friday before the game was suspended.
2. Nationals LHP Sean Doolittle made his first appearance since July 6 in Saturday’s second game, retiring both batters he faced - one via strikeout.
3. Caratini went 3-for-6 during the doubleheader to snap a 1-for-11 skid during which he struck out six times.
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Nationals 4