Chicago @ Washington preview
Nationals Park
Last Meeting ( Apr 8, 2012 ) Washington 3, Chi. Cubs 4
Already boasting the best winning percentage in the majors and a 6 1/2-game lead in the National League East, the Washington Nationals get four games at home against the struggling Chicago Cubs. The Nationals won their 81st game Sunday, matching the 2005 team for the most wins since the franchise moved to Washington. The Cubs, meanwhile, have lost 24 of their last 32 and are on pace for their worst season since 1981.
The Nationals will try to solve Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija, who is 1-0 with a 1.56 ERA in eight appearances against them. He made his first start against Washington on April 8, allowing just one earned run (three total) over 8 2/3 innings. Samardzija was the only Cubs pitcher to beat the Nationals when the teams met for a three-game series to start the season.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, WGN, MASN
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (8-12, 4.03 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Ross Detwiler (8-6, 3.32)
Samardzija has turned in 15 quality starts in 26 outings this season, but it hasn't always translated to victories. That was the case in his last start, as he allowed just two earned runs over seven innings in a loss to Milwaukee. He went 1-4 despite a 3.52 ERA in six starts in August.
Detwiler hasn't won two straight decisions since April, but he'll try to do so after beating Miami on Wednesday. He held the Marlins to three runs on four hits over 5 2/3 innings to extend his career-best win total to eight. Detwiler is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA in two starts against the Cubs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington OF Jayson Werth left Saturday's game with hamstring cramps and was a late scratch Sunday. Werth is hitting .350 with 10 doubles, a homer and 12 RBIs in 27 games since coming off the disabled list Aug. 2.
2. The Cubs have the second-worst road record in the majors at 17-48 and have lost four straight and 13 of their past 14 away from Wrigley Field.
3. Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman, who is riding a seven-game hitting streak, is 0-for-8 with two strikeouts against Samardzija.