Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs — Mar 29, 2026 | AI-prognos & statistik

Shota Imanaga’s precision and swing-and-miss arsenal line up perfectly against a Nationals order that still leans on inexperienced bats. Expect early weak contact and quick innings while Imanaga cruises through the first four frames. Chicago’s bats, meanwhile, draw a soft matchup in Jake Irvin, whose career WHIP north of 1.4 and fly-ball tendencies spell trouble in the breezy conditions at Wrigley. Look for Michael Busch and Alex Bregman to jump on elevated heaters, generating a three-run cushion by the third inning. Washington’s best chance comes in the middle frames when the order turns over a second time; a fifth-inning rally sparked by CJ Abrams’ speed plates their first run, but Imanaga limits damage with a key punch-out of James Wood. The Cubs add on against a stretched Nationals bullpen in the sixth, capitalizing on free passes and a Dansby Swanson gap double. Once Chicago turns the game over to a rested late-inning group highlighted by Hoby Milner and Phil Maton, Washington scratches out single runs in the seventh and ninth but never mounts a serious threat. Overall, superior starting pitching, better on-base skills, and timely power swing the rubber game the Cubs’ way, 7–3, solidifying their early momentum in the division race.