Pregame Notes: Chicago Cubs, Hendricks battle Nationals on ESPN

The Las Vegas rivalry between Kris Bryant and Bryce Harper will continue later this evening as the Chicago Cubs host the Washington Nationals in-game two of this three-game set.

Both teams went blow-for-blow yesterday afternoon, combining for just 10 hits and three runs behind strong starts from Tsuyoshi Wada and Illinois-native Tanner Roark. 

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Bryant, who had his 12-game hitting streak come to an end Sunday, drilled his sixth big league home run of the season to left field in the home half of the first, tying the game up at one apiece.

While the bats made hardly any noise, the defense on both sides was worthy of ESPN’s Top 10. Outfielder Michael Taylor made a diving grab in left field, robbing Wada of what could have been an RBI double. Shortly after Taylor made his web gem, rookie second baseman Addison Russell laid out to make a play on a hard hit ball by Taylor, throwing him out just in time at first base.

Cubs’ skipper Joe Maddon opted to remove Wada from the game and called upon Justin Grimm to take over on the mound. Grimm gave up the game winning home run to Nats’ (27-18) catcher Wilson Ramos and was handed the loss in the decision.

Tonight, another rookie starter will look to help put his team back in the win column after the Cubs (24-20) dropped their previous two contests. Kyle Hendricks (1-1, 4.14 ERA) is coming off his best outing as a professional starting pitcher, working a complete game shutout against the San Diego Padres just five days ago.

Chicago’s young hurler held the Padres to just five hits while posting a 7/0 K/BB ratio. This is the second time this month where Hendricks held opposing teams to zero runs on five hits.

Starting opposite will be veteran right-hander, Jordan Zimmerman. Zimmerman (4-2, 3.52 ERA) is riding a two-game winning streak this month after picking up back-to-back no-decisions to begin May.

He’s allowed a combined six earned runs on seven hits, one home run, and an 18/5 K/BB ratio in 26 innings.

Here’s a look at tonight’s starting lineups:

First pitch is slated for 6:05 pm central time, and will be aired live on CSN, ESPN, and WBBM 780.

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