The inconsistent Cubs almost cost themselves another game last night after they gave up four runs in the ninth inning against the Nats. However, they just held on for the 5-4 win to get the first game of their four-game series.
The Cubs are just 4-3 in their last seven games, and haven’t gone three games above .500 since June 6. Their offense remains decidedly mediocre, ranking 16th in runs per game.
However, the Cubs bats have come through with some big scoring games for ace Jake Arrieta this month. They went off for 11 runs against the Marlins, as Arrieta went seven strong innings and gave up a single run in his most recent start. They also had 10 runs in another Arrieta start against Miami, where the lefty recorded another quality start.
That seven-inning gem in Miami was a good sign for Arrieta, who’s struggled on the road this season. He’s 4-5 with a 4.61 ERA away from Wrigley. He’s having easily his best month of the season in June, though. He’s got a 3.68 ERA through four starts.
The Nats’ odd struggles at home continued as they dropped their series-opening game against the Cubs. Washington is just 20-16 at Nationals Park this season, and is 2-5 in its last seven.
Ace Max Scherzer will be looking to improve that disappointing mark as he takes the mound against the Cubs. The flame-throwing righty has been close to unhittable for the past month. In his last six starts, he’s 4-2 with a minuscule 0.94 ERA. He’s also recorded 10 or more strikeouts in all six of those starts.
However, he really should’ve been 5-1 after his most recent start. Despite going eight innings without giving up a single earned run, he still took the loss in a 2-1 defeat to the Marlins.
Scherzer has had three starts for the Nats against the Cubs. He went seven innings and had double-digit Ks in two of those starts—both Washington wins—while giving up a total of just one run over those two games.
Writer’s Prediction
Scherzer keeps on dealing to help the Nationals (-175) down the Cubs.
