The Cubs started a big series against the first place Nationals in Washington Monday. What seemed like a ho-hum affair early ended up being about as tense as a June game can get. With a big assist from their shortstop, the Northsiders came out ahead.
Amazingly, another one of Joe Maddon’s new-look lineups paid immediate dividends. New leadoff hitter Willson Contreras took Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez deep to right to open the game.
Cubs starter Eddie Butler wasn’t super sharp, but he kept Washington off the board with the help of his defense. Key plays included a pick-off of Trea Turner by Contreras and a diving Javy Baez stab of a Bryce Harper line drive.