Cade Horton and Ian Happ power the Cubs to a 10-2 victory over the Nationals

Horton throws four-hit ball into the seventh inning, Happ hits a three-run homer in the sixth to break the game open.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:18pm

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Cade Horton threw four-hit ball into the seventh inning, Ian Happ broke the game open with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, and the Chicago Cubs routed the Washington Nationals 10-2 on Saturday. Miguel Amaya homered and finished with two hits and two RBI, and Pete Crow-Armstrong added two hits as the Cubs avenged Thursday's 10-4 opening day loss.

Why it matters

The win helps the Cubs bounce back from their opening day defeat and shows the team's offensive firepower, led by young stars like Horton and Happ. The Nationals, meanwhile, are looking to rebound after a tough start to the season.

The details

Horton (1-0), the runner-up in the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year race, retired the first nine batters he faced before James Wood led off the fourth with a solo homer. The 24-year-old right-hander was charged with two runs in 6 1/3 innings, with four strikeouts and a walk. Three Chicago relievers followed Horton and didn't allow a hit. Washington shortstop CJ Abrams missed the game due to a death in the family. Miles Mikolas (0-1) allowed six runs, four earned, on seven hits in five innings in his first start for the Nationals after signing as a free agent.

  • The Cubs grabbed a 4-0 lead in the second inning.
  • Wood's solo homer cut it to 4-1 in the fourth inning.
  • Amaya replied with a solo drive in the bottom of the fourth.
  • Happ hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning to make it 9-2.

The players

Cade Horton

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, who was the runner-up in the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year race.

Ian Happ

An outfielder for the Chicago Cubs who hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning to break the game open.

Miles Mikolas

The starting pitcher for the Washington Nationals, who allowed six runs, four earned, on seven hits in five innings in his first start for the team after signing as a free agent.

James Wood

A Washington Nationals player who hit a solo homer in the fourth inning.

CJ Abrams

The Washington Nationals shortstop who missed the game due to a death in the family.

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What’s next

The teams will face off again on Sunday, with Washington RHP Jake Irvin taking on Chicago LHP Shota Imanaga.

The takeaway

The Cubs' offensive outburst, led by young stars Horton and Happ, shows the team's potential to bounce back from their opening day loss and compete in the NL Central this season. The Nationals, meanwhile, will look to regroup and find more consistency as they continue their series against the Cubs.