Nationals Look to Get Back on Track Against Cubs

Jun 15, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Doug Fister (58) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

After suffering a 9-2 beat down at the hands of the Brewers on Wednesday, the Nationals look to get back on track and maintain their spot atop the NL East as they begin a four-game series on the road Thursday against the Cubs.

Doug Fister gets the start for the Nationals as he looks to continue his recent stretch of dominance. The right-hander was lights-out against the Braves last Saturday, throwing eight shutout innings while allowing just five hits and striking out three batters in his best start as a National so far.

After starting the season on the disabled list, Fister has quickly become the Nationals’ most reliable starter. Fister is now 6-2 on the season and has allowed just four runs in his last 21 innings of work

The Cubs will counter with left-hander Travis Wood, who owns a 2.93 ERA at home this season.

The Nationals’ offense, which managed only two hits against the Brewers on Thursday, will get a huge boost tonight as Wilson Ramos returns to the lineup, batting seventh.

Prior to tonight’s game, the Nationals have a one-game lead over the Braves in the NL East with a record of 41-36.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s game:

1. CF: Denard Span
2. 3B: Anthony Rendon
3. RF: Jayson Werth
4. 1B: Adam LaRoche
5. LF: Ryan Zimmerman
6. SS: Ian Desmond
7. C: Wilson Ramos
8. 2B: Danny Espinosa
9. SP: Doug Fister

Chicago Cubs Lineup

1. LF: Ryan Sweeney
2. RF: Justin Ruggiano
3. 1B: Anthony Rizzo
4. SS: Starlin Castro
5. 3B: Luis Valbuena
6. C: Welington Castillo
7. CF: Junior Lake
8. 2B: Darwin Barney
9. SP: Travis Wood