After narrowly losing on Tuesday and winning on Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs will try for a series victory over the Washington Nationals behind Ryan Dempster. A victory in this series would be the third consecutive series victory for the Cubs, something that they have not managed to accomplish in the entire 2011 season.
Ryan Dempster, 9-8 with a 4.87 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, will also be looking for his fourth consecutive quality start as he faces off against the Nats. In his career against Washington, Dempster is 8-1 with a 2.97 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Ryan Zimmerman has hit Dempster well over his career, and currently holds a .385 average against him.
The Nationals will counter with Jordan Zimmermann, 7-9 with a 3.12 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Zimmermann is coming off of a start against Colorado in which he earned the win after giving up two runs on 5.2 innings pitched, while striking out eight. In his last game against the Cubs, Zimmermann earned a no decision after giving up four runs on eight hits and a walk over 6.0 innings pitched, while striking out five. This year, Aramis Ramirez is 2-for-3 against Zimmermann with a double, while Carlos Pena is 3-for-3 with a home run.
The weather in Chicago is forecast to be sunny and pleasant, with a game time temperature in the upper 70's. First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 P.M., CDT, and the game will be broadcast on CSN and MASN 2 HD.