Cubs, Nationals Conclude High-Scoring Series

Chicago's Pete Crow-Armstrong looks to stay hot after signing extension

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vibrant blue, red, and white colors representing the players, field, and action.The high-scoring series between the Cubs and Nationals showcases the dynamic action and competitive spirit of early-season MLB baseball.Washington Today

The Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals wrap up their three-game series on Sunday, with the Cubs looking to take the series after splitting the first two games. Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who recently signed a six-year, $115 million contract extension, has been a key contributor at the plate so far, collecting multiple hits in both games. The Nationals will counter with right-hander Jake Irvin, who is seeking his first career win against the Cubs.

Why it matters

The early-season series between the Cubs and Nationals features two teams with high expectations for the 2026 season. The Cubs are looking to build on their success from the previous year, while the Nationals are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing campaign. The performance of key players like Crow-Armstrong and the battle between the starting pitchers will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.

The details

In Saturday's 10-2 win, the Cubs got production from throughout their lineup, with catcher Miguel Amaya and outfielder Ian Happ each hitting home runs. Starter Cade Horton pitched well, allowing just two runs in 6.1 innings. For the Nationals, outfielder James Wood hit his first home run of the season, while infielder Daylen Lile reached base twice. The Nationals will turn to Irvin, who is 0-4 with a 9.70 ERA in five career starts against the Cubs. The Cubs will counter with Shota Imanaga, who has had success against Washington in the past, going 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two career starts.

  • The series concludes on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • Crow-Armstrong signed a six-year, $115 million contract extension with the Cubs earlier this week.

The players

Pete Crow-Armstrong

Chicago Cubs center fielder who has delivered multiple hits in both of the team's games to open the season. He recently signed a six-year, $115 million contract extension with the Cubs.

Jake Irvin

Washington Nationals right-handed starting pitcher, who is seeking his first career win against the Cubs. He went 9-13 with a 5.70 ERA in 33 starts for the Nationals in 2025.

Shota Imanaga

Chicago Cubs left-handed starting pitcher, who has had success against the Nationals in the past, going 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two career starts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That's the best part is knowing that I'm here, it's where I wanted to be. And I'm just glad that that idea could be created and made into some real thing, getting to be here for the next six years, knowing that I'm going to be somewhere is the coolest thing ever when it's somewhere that I've really wanted to be for a long time.”

— Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs Center Fielder

What’s next

The Cubs and Nationals will conclude their three-game series on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The takeaway

This early-season series between the Cubs and Nationals features two teams with high expectations for the 2026 season. The performance of key players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and the battle between the starting pitchers will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series and setting the tone for the rest of the season.