Chicago Cubs’ Jeff Samardzija looks to earn split of twinbill vs Nationals

After dropping the opener of Saturday’s twinbill, the Chicago Cubs will look to staff ace Jeff Samardzija to help them split with the Washington Nationals in game two.

Samardzija (2-6, 2.53) hasn’t gotten much run-support this season. Hopefully the Cubs got that out of their system in game one as they managed only three hits, one from the rookie starting pitcher Dallas Beeler. The Cubs will need to generate some offense, something they often struggle to do against pitchers that they have limited experience against.

Blake Treinen (0-3, 2.08), like Beeler in game one for the Cubs, is the 26th man call-up for the doubleheader. He’s made four starts previously this year for the Nats, posting a 2.49 ERA in those outings. Samardzija holds a 1.63 ERA at home, so something has to give between these two.

Junior Lake returned to the Cubs lineup after crashing into the wall in the game Thursday night against the Nationals. Lake had some bruises, but showed no signs of a concussion and was removed as a precaution. He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts out of the lead off spot.

Game two is a 6:15 pm ET start, and will be broadcast on WGN 720 Am, and will be carried on FOX as well.

Here are the starting lineups for game two of the doubleheader: