The Chicago Cubs return to Wrigley Field on Sunday with the series against the Washington Nationals finely balanced. After a dominant 10-2 win leveled things, the finale now carries early-season importance as both teams push for their first series victory of 2026.
Chicago has already shown a sharper offensive edge, scoring 14 runs in the first two games, a major shift from last season’s slow opening. With momentum on their side, the Cubs now turn to a key pitching matchup to close out the series.
Game details and broadcast
The matchup takes place at Wrigley Field on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 PM ET (1:20 PM CT). Fans can watch the game on Marquee Sports Network or stream it live via platforms like Fubo.
Starting lineups confirmed
Chicago Cubs starting lineup:
Michael Busch (1B)
Alex Bregman (3B)
Ian Happ (LF)
Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF)
Nico Hoerner (2B)
Carson Kelly (C)
Moisés Ballesteros (DH)
Dansby Swanson (SS)
Michael Conforto (RF)
Shōta Imanaga (P)
Washington Nationals starting lineup:
James Wood (DH)
Andrés Chaparro (1B)
Brady House (3B)
Daylen Lile (LF)
Joey Wiemer (RF)
CJ Abrams (SS)
Nasim Nuñez (2B)
Keibert Ruiz (C)
Jacob Young (CF)
Jake Irvin (P)
Pitching matchup in focus
The Cubs hand the ball to Shōta Imanaga, who enters the season looking to rediscover the form that made him one of the most reliable starters in 2024. While he kept a strong command profile, limiting walks and base runners, home runs became a concern late last season.
Sunday’s matchup presents a favorable setup. No current Nationals hitter has more than a handful of at-bats against him, and none have hit a home run off Imanaga — a small but meaningful edge heading into this game.
Washington counters with Jake Irvin, whose 2025 campaign proved difficult. He allowed a league-high 38 home runs and finished with a 5.70 ERA, both among the highest in MLB. Against the Cubs, the numbers tilt heavily in Chicago’s favor, with current hitters posting a .290 average and strong slugging results.
Momentum and matchup trends
The Cubs have quietly built a strong record against Washington, going 12-5 since mid-2023, including a long winning stretch across recent seasons. That trend, combined with Saturday’s convincing win, gives Chicago a clear confidence boost entering this finale.
Individually, Michael Busch continues to stand out. Across his recent stretch dating back to last season, he has produced elite numbers, combining power with on-base consistency. Alongside veterans like Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson, the Cubs lineup carries both depth and experience.
The Nationals, meanwhile, rely on a younger core featuring CJ Abrams, James Wood, and Keibert Ruiz. Their lineup offers athleticism and upside, but consistency against a disciplined pitcher like Imanaga remains the key challenge.
With both teams splitting the opening games, this matchup becomes an early tone-setter. The Cubs look to build momentum at home, while the Nationals aim to steal a series on the road. At Wrigley Field, where small moments often define outcomes, this finale carries more weight than a typical March game.
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