Cubs vs. Nationals Series Preview (May 17-20): Broadcast and Game Info, Starting Pitchers, Insights
The Cubs (19-20) are coming off a series win in Detroit in which they took two of three from the Tigers and now have a record of 6-4 in their last 10. The offense was red hot over the weekend, producing 17 runs, with the only loss coming in an extra-inning slugfest. The pitching was solid in games one and three, giving up only three runs combined, but fell short in game two when they allowed nine runners to cross the plate.
Now the Cubs attempt to get back to .500 as they welcome Washington and some familiar faces to Wrigley for a four-game set. The Nationals (16-20) have struggled this year and currently find themselves in the cellar of the NL East. However, they managed to win their last series in Arizona as they exploded for 24 runs. Washington ranks 15th with a collective ERA of 3.95 and 10th in OPS (.714).
Not surprisingly, Max Scherzer leads the team in wins (3), ERA (2.10), WHIP (0.76) and BAA (.173). He’s scheduled to pitch in game three of the series. On offense, Trea Turner (.329/.369/.938) is having a career year and ranks first in eight categories for the Nationals.
The Nats have lost six of their last 10 contests and rank 27th in runs scored, but their lineup still boasts the likes of Turner, Juan Soto, Victor Robles, and Josh Bell. This will be something of a “revenge” series for Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber. Their offense coming alive in Arizona combined with the emotional and personal nature of the matchup means the Nationals can’t be taken lightly.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, May 17 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee, 670 The Score and WRTO for Spanish speakers
- Tuesday, May 18 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee, 670 The Score and WRTO for Spanish speakers
- Wednesday, May 19 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee, MLB Network, 670 The Score and WRTO for Spanish speakers
- Thursday, May 20 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee, MLB Network, 670 The Score and WRTO for Spanish speakers
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 5/17 | Adbert Alzolay | 24 | R | 4.50 | 1-3 | 4.16 | 5.14 |
| Jon Lester | 37 | L | 2.25 | 0-1 | 3.19 | 1.43 | |
| 4/27 | Zach Davies | 28 | R | 5.60 | 2-2 | 5.03 | 1.05 |
| Patrick Corbin | 31 | L | 6.19 | 2-3 | 6.43 | 2.07 | |
| 4/28 | Jake Arrieta | 35 | R | 4.10 | 4-3 | 5.14 | 2.23 |
| Max Scherzer | 36 | R | 2.10 | 3-2 | 3.09 | 8.50 | |
| 4/29 | Trevor Williams | 29 | R | 6.27 | 2-2 | 5.07 | 2.06 |
| Joe Ross | 27 | R | 5.80 | 2-3 | 4.59 | 1.73 |
What to Watch For
- Ian Happ had three hits against southpaw Matthew Boyd on Sunday, prior to which he was 2-for-19 versus lefties. Washington will send two left-handed starters to the mound in this set.
- Before going 0-for-5 on Sunday, Kris Bryant had a slash line of .333/.442/.772 in his previous 11 games.
- On the flip side, Jason Heyward is slashing .107/.219/.179 in his last eight contests.