The positives and many negatives from the Washington Nationals 10-2 defeat to the Cubs
The Nationals 10-2 defeat this afternoon was not pretty, but there were a couple positives to take away from it
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 28: Nico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after hitting a double during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on March 28, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images After a great Opening Day win for the Nationals, they got a reality check with a rough 10-2 defeat this afternoon. It was a sloppy defensive performance where the Nats struggled with the sun and wind.
The worst of it came in the Cubs four run second inning. However, there were still a couple encouraging things, which we will break down. Let’s start with the biggest positive of the afternoon, which was James Wood.
The Nats big slugger struggled heavily this spring and went 0/5 with 4 strikeouts on Opening Day. However, he smashed a home run this afternoon and after a strikeout to lead off the game, his at bats looked better. FIRST JAMES HOME RUN went really fast pic.
twitter. com/kWt72tGu4s — Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 28, 2026 Wood put the ball in play in three of his four at bats, which is a great sign. His homer was also a classic James Wood oppo-bomb.
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