Nats Blast 3 Homers in Opening Day Win Over Cubs

Big days from Wiemer, House, and Young power Nationals to 10-4 victory

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:35pm

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The Washington Nationals opened their 2026 season with an impressive 10-4 win over the Chicago Cubs, powered by three home runs from Joey Wiemer, Brady House, and Jacob Young. Despite 20 strikeouts, the Nats lineup was aggressive at the plate and did major damage when they made contact. The pitching staff navigated some jams but limited the Cubs to just 4 runs. However, top prospect James Wood struggled mightily, going 0-for-5 with 4 strikeouts.

Why it matters

The Nationals are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and get off to a strong start in 2026. This Opening Day win showcases the team's power potential, but also raises questions about their young star Wood's continued struggles at the plate.

The details

The Nationals' offense was in full force, with Joey Wiemer, Brady House, and Jacob Young all hitting home runs. Wiemer and House took big swings, combining for 20 strikeouts, but made the most of their contact. House's homers came off 107 and 111 mph exit velocities. The Nats pitching staff, led by starter Cade Cavalli, navigated some traffic on the bases but limited the damage, with manager Blake Butera making timely pitching changes. However, top prospect James Wood continued his struggles, going 0-for-5 with 4 strikeouts.

  • The Nationals opened their 2026 season on March 27, 2026.

The players

Joey Wiemer

A Nationals outfielder who hit one of the team's three home runs on Opening Day.

Brady House

A Nationals infielder who hit two home runs, including one that traveled 111 mph off the bat, in the Opening Day win.

Jacob Young

A Nationals outfielder who hit a surprising home run on Opening Day.

Cade Cavalli

The Nationals' starting pitcher on Opening Day, who navigated some traffic on the bases but limited the Cubs to 4 runs.

James Wood

A top Nationals prospect who struggled mightily, going 0-for-5 with 4 strikeouts on Opening Day.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The Nationals' Opening Day win showcased their power potential, with three home runs, but also raised concerns about their young star James Wood's continued struggles at the plate. The team's pitching staff navigated some jams, with manager Blake Butera making timely pitching changes, but Wood's 0-for-5 performance with 4 strikeouts is a worrying sign for the Nationals' future.