Chicago Cubs At Washington Nationals Series Preview: Pitching, Matchups And More

The Chicago Cubs travel to Washington to face off against the Nationals in a four-game series.

Author:
Andy Jasner
Publish date:
May 1, 2023 7:02 PM EDT

In this story:

The Chicago Cubs opened their road trip with a disappointing three-game series sweep against the Miami Marlins.

The Cubs will now look to rebound with a four-game series on the road against the young Washington Nationals.

There were some bright spots at Miami in the series sweep, most notably by Cody Bellinger, who has surged offensively with seven home runs. Let’s see if the Cubs can refocus and put together another winning streak against the Nationals.

Here are the matchups and a series prediction.

Monday, May 1 at 6:05 p.m. CT

Drew Smyly (2-1, 3.21 ERA) vs. MacKenzie Gore (3-1, 3.00 ERA)

Smyly has been one of the most pleasant surprises on the Cubs.

After nearly throwing a perfect game, he came back with another solid outing against the San Diego Padres. In five innings, Smyly gave up four hits and two runs.

After being swept by the Marlins, it’s up to Smyly to give the Cubs another quality start. They need it.

Tuesday, May 2 at 6:05 p.m. ET

Hayden Wesneski (2-1, 5.24 ERA) vs. Trevor Williams (1-1, 4.10 ERA)

Wesneski has been inconsistent this season and this would be a perfect time to regain command of his pitches.

Wesneski had a solid spring training and did plenty to impress the Cubs. Since the regular season began, he has scuffled more than he’s had success.

If the Cubs can stake Wesneski to an early lead, it might give him an added boost.

Wednesday, May 3 at 6:05 p.m. CT

Marcus Stroman (2-2, 2.29 ERA) vs. TBD

Forget Stroman’s record because he has resembled a National League Cy Young candidate this season.

In Stroman’s last start against the Marlins, he gave up six hits and two runs in 6 1/3 innings. It was another terrific outing by Stroman, who has clearly found a home with the Cubs. He looks comfortable every time he takes the mound.

Thursday, May 4 at 12:05 p.m. CT

Jameson Taillon (0-2, 4.50 ERA) vs. Patrick Corbin (1-4, 5.74 ERA)

If Taillon can return from a left groin strain and pitch well, the Cubs will reap the benefits. Caleb Kilian proved after one start that he wasn’t quite ready. Taillon is expected to produce in a big way this season and this opportunity can’t be wasted.

Corbin has struggled in recent seasons and the Cubs offense should be able to take full advantage.

Prediction:

The Cubs should be motivated following the three losses in Miami. And with a four-game series against the rebuilding Nationals, it would be expected that the Cubs could take three of four. It’s tough to sweep anyone. Going 3-1 would be highly successful.

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