Chicago Cubs: Hendricks takes mound as Cubs aim to end skid

Kyle Hendricks toes the rubber as the Chicago Cubs look to start a new win streak against the Washington Nationals Friday afternoon from Wrigley Field.

Coming off a disappointing series loss — the first they’ve lost in the second-half — the Chicago Cubs are eager to turn the page. They’ll get that opportunity Friday afternoon as the Washington Nationals come into town.

Class in session

Kyle Hendricks (4-3, 3.80 ERA) makes his third start since coming off the DL.

In the Professor’s most recent outing last Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers, he gave up just one earned run over five innings.

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While he is still looking to go further into his starts off the DL, he has only allowed two earned runs over 9 1/3 innings pitched. He has struck out eight batters and not walked a batter over that span.

Opposing Hendricks and the Cubs’ bats will be Illinois Native Tanner Roark (8-7, 4.93 ERA). Roark took the loss last time out against the Colorado Rockies, going five innings and giving up four earned runs.

How they’ll line up

Jon Jay (.224 BA leading off) starts it off for the Cubs’ order. Willson Contreras is back behind the plate after a monster day Thursday.

After hitting .321 for the month of July, Contreras is 5-for-10 in August with two home runs and eight RBI.

Both teams lead MLB with 35 second-half home runs.

The Nationals have three hitters in the top 10 for batting average across the NL. Daniel Murphy 3rd, (.329), Bryce Harper fifth, (.324), Anthony Rendon, ninth (.314). Ryan Zimmerman is 12th with a .309 BA.

Next: After dropping two of three to Arizona, fans already worried again

What’s next

The Chicago Cubs will pick up with game two of the series Saturday afternoon against the visiting Washington Nationals.

As of right now, Dusty Baker has not named his starter. John Lackey (8-9, 4.87 ERA) will make his 21st start for Joe Maddon. First pitch will be at 2:20 pm C.T. from Wrigley Field.