Nationals @ Cubs, Game 1

[imref]

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at CHICAGO CUBS
Where: Wrigley Field
Gametime: 2:20 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 183/869, MLB.com
Weather: Cloudy, 62 degrees, wind 17 mph out to right field

NATIONALS (63-43) 1. Brian Goodwin (L) CF 2. Howie Kendrick (R) LF 3. Bryce Harper (L) RF 4. Daniel Murphy (L) 2B 5. Anthony Rendon (R) 3B 6. Adam Lind (L) 1B 7. Matt Wieters (S) C 8. Wilmer Difo (S) SS 9. Tanner Roark (R) P

CUBS (57-50) 1. Jon Jay (L) CF 2. Kris Bryant (R) 3B 3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B 4. Willson Contreras (R) C 5. Ben Zobrist (S) 2B 6. Kyle Schwarber (L) LF 7. Jason Heyward (L) RF 8. Javier Baez (R) SS 9. Kyle Hendricks (R) P

[mitlen]

I'm trying to get the missus to the pool early (noon opening) so I can be back for game time.     

[GburgNatsFan]

Cloudy and 62 degrees. In August.

[varoadking]

Nice to see that Zimm has been benched...er...been given a day off...

[DPMOmaha]

Hendricks struggle against lefties?

[imref]

with that wind out to LF RF, Harper must be salivating.

[Ali the Baseball Cat]

What's with the weird game time? 

[DPMOmaha]

What's with the weird game time? 

It's Wrigley Field. This is a common start time for them. 45 of their home games were scheduled or are scheduled to start in the afternoon. It appears that all their Friday home games start at this time.

[Natsinpwc]

What's with the weird game time?

You mean the twenty minutes after the hour thing? I believe that's a Wrigkey thing. Don't forget it's an hour time difference.

[varoadking]

You mean the twenty minutes after the hour thing? I believe that's a Wrigkey thing. Don't forget it's an hour time difference.

When do you leave Cincy for tomorrow's game?

[dcpatti]

What's with the weird game time?

There are city ordinances that limit the number of night games at Wrigley, which didn't matter till like 1990 because they didn't have on-field lighting till then. They can only have like 20 night games per year since they are in such a densely populated residential neighborhood.

[Ali the Baseball Cat]

I remember what a big deal it was when they finally put in lights. 

[varoadking]

There are city ordinances that limit the number of night games at Wrigley, which didn't matter till like 1990 because they didn't have on-field lighting till then. They can only have like 20 night games per year since they are in such a densely populated residential neighborhood.

I believe it is up to 46 night games, though not clear if that includes the postseason, which could be as many as 12 of those.

[OldChelsea]

Nats looking for their first win at the Friendly Confines since 27th May 2015, when Scherzer outduelled Lester 3-nil in that year's series finale. Last season the Cubs swept the Nats in four straight at Wrigley.

[mimontero88]

This is a big start for Roark today.  He needs to start to show that he can pitch against a quality lineup like the Cubs if he wants to be counted on come October because, as of now, Edwin Jackson's inconsistency may make him the better fourth starter since he can accidentally pitch a gem at any time.

[spidernat]

I believe it is up to 46 night games, though not clear if that includes the postseason, which could be as many as 12 of those.

As a split loyalty fan, VaRK is the forum's cubs authority.

[mmzznnxx]

This series will be a trainwreck.

[spidernat]

This series will be a trainwreck.

I don't know why people are so concerned about this series.

[DPMOmaha]

Carp still out, huh?

[mitlen]

Carp still out, huh?

Vacation week ...  but damn Dave is good.

[spidernat]

Wow, can we get this guy for the rest of the season please?

[mmzznnxx]

I don't know why people are so concerned about this series.

I mean, I'm not concerned, we just suck right now and the matchups are bad. It's not like it'll put us out of the playoff race, it will just likely be a boring, insipid weekend.

[spidernat]

Vacation week ...  but damn Dave is good.

He is excellent

[DPMOmaha]

Vacation week

I see that. Thought it might just be for the series.

[spidernat]

I mean, I'm not concerned, we just suck right now and the matchups are bad. It's not like it'll put us out of the playoff race, it will just likely be a boring, insipid weekend.

Maybe you're right but I hope that isn't the case. I just declined a BBQ on Sunday afternoon because I want to watch the game.