Cubs Bounce Back with Decisive 10-2 Victory Over Nationals

Rookie Cade Horton delivers a strong outing, while the offense erupts for two four-run innings

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:35pm

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The Chicago Cubs rebounded from their opening day loss with an emphatic 10-2 win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday. Rookie pitcher Cade Horton turned in a quality start, allowing just two runs over 6.1 innings, while the Cubs' offense exploded for four-run rallies in the 2nd and 6th innings to cruise to victory.

Why it matters

After dropping their season opener, the Cubs needed a bounce-back performance to get their 2026 campaign off on the right foot. Horton's strong outing and the team's offensive outburst are encouraging signs that the Cubs could be poised for a successful season.

The details

The Cubs took advantage of some shaky Nationals defense in the 2nd inning, scoring four runs on a sacrifice fly, an RBI single, and a two-run collision in left field. Horton was solid on the mound, surrendering a solo home run to James Wood in the 4th and an RBI single to Nasim Nuñez in the 5th. The Cubs matched those runs with an solo shot by Miguel Amaya and a double by Nico Hoerner. Chicago then broke the game open with a three-run homer by Ian Happ in the 6th, followed by a bases-loaded walk to Carson Kelly to make the final score 10-2.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • The Cubs dropped their season opener against the Nationals on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

The players

Cade Horton

The Cubs' rookie starting pitcher who delivered a quality outing, allowing just two runs over 6.1 innings.

Miguel Amaya

The Cubs' catcher who hit a solo home run and had an RBI single in the game.

Ian Happ

The Cubs' outfielder who hit a three-run home run in the 6th inning to break the game open.

Miles Mikolas

The Nationals' starting pitcher who struggled, allowing four runs in the 2nd inning.

James Wood

The Nationals' outfielder who hit a solo home run off Horton in the 4th inning.

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What’s next

The Cubs and Nationals will play the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:20pm CT. Shōta Imanaga is scheduled to start for the Cubs, while Jake Irvin will take the mound for the Nationals.

The takeaway

The Cubs' bounce-back performance against the Nationals is an encouraging sign for their 2026 season. Rookie pitcher Cade Horton's strong outing and the team's offensive explosion, led by Miguel Amaya, Ian Happ, and others, suggest the Cubs have the talent to compete in the NL Central this year.