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Cubs Vs. Nationals Preview: Ross Detwiler Starts Series Opener Vs. Stumbling Cubs

Ross Detwiler looks to keep the Nats going strong into a series against a Cubs team enduring a bad stretch of play.

MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 29:  Pitcher Ross Detwiler #48 of the Washington Nationals throws against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on August 29, 2012 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 29: Pitcher Ross Detwiler #48 of the Washington Nationals throws against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on August 29, 2012 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
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The Nationals don't need the help with a 6.5 game lead in the NL East with just about a month remaining, but seven home games against a pair of fifth-place teams won't hurt as Washington prepares to host Chicago and Miami starting with an afternoon game on Labor Day against the Cubs.

Ross Detwiler (8-6, 3.32) takes the mound Monday for a Nats team that has won four out of five. Detwiler has alternated wins and losses in his last seven decisions, but his actual performances have been pretty consistent.

Meanwhile, the Cubs went a miserable 8-21 in August and have opened up September with a pair of losses. They haven't sniffed playoff contention for some time, and although Jeff Samardzija (8-12, 4.03) hasn't been bad, he's been a hard-luck loser in a lot of his outings due to some anemic offense by his teammates.


Current Series

4 game series vs Cubs @ Nationals Park

Chicago Cubs
@ Washington Nationals

Monday, Sep 3, 2012, 1:05 PM EDT
Nationals Park

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Tue 09/04 7:05 PM EDT
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