Chicago Cubs: Arrieta and Harper square off on Mother’s Day

Even after winning the first three games of the series, the Chicago Cubs aren’t looking too far ahead. The Washington Nationals are a dangerous team, and two of the best will face off with Jake Arrieta on the mound against Bryce Harper.

The Chicago Cubs are on a season-high six game win streak. They haven’t lost back-to-back games yet this season and clearly that isn’t happening today. But it’s still just one game at a time, and when that next game is for a sweep of the Washington Nationals and you’ve got Jake Arrieta on the hill at home? You have to like your chances.

The Cubs (23-6) continue their torrid pace as they have a +101 run differential through 29 games. The tops after this many games last year? The Cardinals at +50. With The Nationals (19-11) having the second-best record in the NL, the Cubs just keep pressing on and show no signs of slowing down.

Jake Arrieta (6-0, 0.84) is still the pace setter and has been dominant at home. His scoreless inning streak and quality start streak came to an end, but that doesn’t mean his dominance has. The Nats, however, have fared well against Arrieta as he’s just 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA in seven career starts against them. NL MVP favorite Harper is 4-for-12 against him.

The Nats will send Tanner Roark (2-2, 2.35) to the mound who grew up in Wilmington, IL and went to the University of Illinois. He lasted seven innings in three consecutive starts, but the Cubs have an ability to work counts and chase starters from games early. With a gentle breeze blowing out today, keeping baserunners at a minimum will be key for both pitchers.

Here are the lineups for today’s Mother’s Day matinée:

First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. CT at Wrigley Field. WGN will have the television coverage, and if you’re out of market it will be on the MLBN. 670 The Score will once again have the radio broadcast.