In the third of a four-game series between the Washington Nationals (30-25) and the Chicago Cubs (30-25) at Nationals Park, A.J. Cole (0-0, 5.79 ERA) and Jason Hammel (4-2, 2.82 ERA) take the mound. The Nationals won the last game 7-5 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 12:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jun. 6 and will air on CSN-CHI and MASN.
In his last start, Cole pitched 4.1 innings, giving up two runs and striking out seven in an 8-1 loss to the Phillies. Bryce Harper (.330, 43 Rs, 18 HRs, 45 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday. In his pitching opportunities against the Nationals, Hammel is 8-0 with a 3.10 ERA, 58 strikeouts and 12 walks. Anthony Rizzo (.325, 31 Rs, 11 HRs, 34 RBIs, 10 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Cubs, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, two home runs, and three RBIs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Washington has averaged 2.2 runs per game over the last 10 games, lower than its season average of 4.3.
The Cubs will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In their 10 most recent games, Chicago’s run production has dropped to 2.5 runs per game, compared to 4.3 for the duration of the season. The Cubs have racked up 45 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. Switching gears to Chicago’s pitching staff, they have a WHIP of 1.21, fifth best in the MLB. The Chicago pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging an NL-best 8.8 strikeouts per game.
The Nationals are 3-2 against the Cubs this season. This game will feature Hammel (RHP) on the mound against the Nationals, who have a 21-21 record when they take on a right-handed starter.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
The Nationals are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 11 strikeouts. The Cubs have a record of 7-13 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Nationals are 6-23. The Cubs have a 7-20 record when opponents outhit them.
Washington and Chicago both rank in the top half of the league in home runs. Washington sits at 11th with 56 home runs this season and Chicago ranks 12th with 53.
Ranking 11th, Chicago is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.15 per game. Washington ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 8.43.
Ranking 17th, Chicago is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.701). Washington ranks in the top half at 11th with an OPS of .728.
When the Cubs allow at least one home run, they are 15-19. When the Nationals allow one or more homers, they have a 9-15 record.
