Pregame Notes: Carlos Villanueva to start, Cubs vs Nationals at 3:05 p.m.

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Villanueva will get the start on the mound as the Chicago Cubs look to equal their longest winning streak of 2014, in going for their fifth straight win Saturday afternoon against the Washington Nationals.

The Cubs have won five straight games only twice in the last two years, including from June 3-7 this season.

It will be Villanueva’s fifth start this season, who has allowed 35 hits and two home runs with a 9.68 ERA over 17 2/3 innings. Since being moved to the bullpen in June he has struck out 18 and posted a 2.20 ERA in 16 1/3 innings.

Gio Gonzalez will get the nod for the Nationals, who threw seven shutout innings against the Cubs last Saturday. He only allowed four base runners, walking two and giving up two singles.

Darwin Barney will start at second base and Luis Valbuena will get the day off while Mike Olt will have another shot at third base. Barney is batting .294 over his last 15 games and Justin Ruggiano is also hitting .270 and starting in center field.

Game Time: 3:05 p.m. CT
TV: CSN Chicago

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