The Nationals and the Cubs continue their four-game series at Wrigley Field. After an 11-1 loss in the series opener and a 3-1 victory last night, the Nationals give the ball to Ross Ohlendorf so he can keep them in the postseason race. The Nationals are 15 games behind the Braves in the National League East and 9½ games behind the Reds for the second Wild Card.
The Nationals have an impressive 55-15 record when they score three or more runs but they're 6-49 when they fail to score that many runs. The Cubs also have trouble bringing runners home, as they have scored two or fewer runs in eight of their last 11 home games. The Cubs are hitting a major league-worst .220 with runners in scoring position and they were 0-for-8 in that situation last night.
According to the oddsmakers at BetAnySports, the Nationals are at +102, the Cubs are at -112 and the total is set at 9.
Pitching Matchup:
Ross Ohlendorf (2-0, 1.85 ERA) vs. Jake Arrieta (1-0, 0.69 ERA)
Ross Ohlendorf has been on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation and he will make his first appearance since July 31. Ohlendorf has allowed two runs in 13 innings over two starts this season. His last game was against the Mets on July 26. That day he had eight strikeouts and allowed only one run in seven innings to get a no decision. The right-hander has pitched well against the Cubs, going 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA in six starts. He does have a 5.06 ERA in three outings at Wrigley Field. Starlin Castro, who is in a 1-for-27 slump, is 3-for-15 against him.
A change of scenery has helped Jake Arrieta, who is 1-0 with an 0.69 ERA in two starts for the Cubs. Arrieta was dominant his last time out, giving up two hits and striking out seven in seven scoreless innings to beat the Cardinals. He faced the Nationals four times with the Orioles, going 0-1 with a 5.57 ERA. Bryce Harper is 4-for-5 with a double against him.
Game information:
8:05 PM ET, August 21
Wrigley Field
85° F/ 29° C
Partly Cloudy
