Series Preview: Chicken Fried Cubs

 

Pitching Matchups, Times, & TV Listings

Friday, May 10th, 7:05PM – Ross Detwiler v. Jeff Samardzija (MASN HD)
Saturday, May 11th, 4:35PM – Stephen Strasburg v. Edwin Jackson (MASN HD)
Sunday, May 12th, 1:35PM – Gio Gonzalez v. Scott Feldman (MASN HD)

After continuing their undefeated season in inter-league play, the Nationals return to National League action as they face the Chicago Cubs.  This is the first time the teams meet this year, after the Nationals dominated the season series last year.  The Nationals continue to chase the Braves and will look to take advantage of this series.

Series Preview

The Cubs and Nationals come into this series, each attempting to prove something to the baseball world.  The Nationals are trying to show that they have finally hit their stride and are going to begin putting a few good wins together.  The Cubs, on the other hand, are trying to prove that they will not be pushed around by the top teams of the league, and that they can compete for a playoff spot.

The Cubs will have to face a trifecta of starting pitchers that could be in the Cy Young debate, and one of them isn’t Jordan Zimmermann.  Detwiler, Strasburg, and Gio will be looking to shut down a weak and inexperienced Cubs lineup, that is 22^nd in the MLB in batting average.

The Nationals impressed with the bats against the Tigers, and will hope to continue that trend against a Cubs staff that is posting an average ERA of 3.77. Adam LaRoche is beginning to produce and it is difficult to find a hole in the Nationals lineup once again.

SERIES NOTES:

• Jayson Werth was aiming to return back to the lineup during this series but he will head to the DL.
• Eury Perez will be called up to replace Werth
• Edwin Jackson makes his return back to Washington D.C. after signing a deal with the Cubs in the offseason.

Song of the Series: Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band

This country song is all about relaxing and showing your patriotism.  The Washington Nationals, who have begun to play good baseball, can now be in a somewhat relaxed state as the Braves are struggling.  Playing in the capital of the United States and wearing red, white, and blue is an obvious form of showing your patriotism, which is exactly what the Nationals do every day.  So sit back, listen to this song, and be proud to be a Nationals fan, and an American.

Matchup to Watch: Edwin Jackson vs His Old Friends

Edwin Jackson will be making his return to Nationals Park, after spending a season with the team in 2012.  He had a successful campaign in the Nation’s capital before signing a long-term deal with the Cubs.  He has had a rocky start and the currently hot Nationals lineup will get a chance to face him in a place where he has some good memories.  It will be interesting to see how the crowd, and of course the Washington bats, greet Edwin in his return.

Classic Matchup Moment: The Brawl

Last season when the Nats faced the Cubs things got a little bit heated after Bryce Harper was thrown at.  Tempers flared and guys like Edwin Jackson (now on the Cubs) and Michael Morse (now on the Mariners) were extra heated. (Read the story & see GIFS here)

Written By Kevin Craig