The Cubs have dropped three of four to open the second half and have now dropped four straight to the Nats after beating them the first time these teams squared off earlier in the season. Things are pretty ugly on the North Side at this point and they have been since the start of June when it comes to a team-wide offensive slump. When Cody Bellinger is the only regular on the team who’s hitting, it really doesn’t matter who bats where.
That has been doubly true when Jameson Taillon takes the mound, though he looked great the last time out in New York and now has a chance to continue the turnaround.