Friday, July 4, 11:05 AM on WGN, MASN

Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia

Chicago Cubs - Hammel, J (7-5) vs. Washington Nationals - Roark, T (7-5)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday morning, Jason Hammel takes the mound for the Chicago Cubs as they take on Tanner Roark and the Washington Nationals. Both pitchers will be making their 17^th starts of the season.

Jason Hammel improved his record to 7 - 5 with a 2.98 ERA after getting the win in his last outing. In that start, Hammel surrendered just 2 runs on 5 hits (including a homer) in 6.1 innings while walking a batter and striking out 6. It took Hammel 101 pitches to get through 6.1 innings and it was the 2 ^nd straight start that he needed over 100 pitches. But he has already equaled his number of wins from 2013 when he went 7 - 8 with a save and a 4.97 ERA in 23 starts and 3 relief appearances for the Baltimore Orioles.

Last season, Hammel won his only start against the Nationals after allowing 2 runs on 8 hits in 8 innings. He just beat Washington in his last start and will be looking to repeat that success in this start.

Tanner Roark took the loss in his last outing and that lowered his record to 7 - 5 with a 2.98 ERA. In that loss, Roark gave up 4 runs and 10 hits in 6 innings of work. He walked a batter while striking out 3. Prior to the loss, Roark had won 4 straight. He has matched his win total from last season when he posted a record of 7 - 1 with a 1.51 ERA in 5 starts and 9 relief appearances.

In 2013, Roark was lit up in a relief appearance against the Cubs as he gave up 2 runs and 4 hits in just 1.2 innings of work. And he is coming off the loss in his last start which was against the Cubs.

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 40-38-4 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.1

Washington Nationals Betting Trends

Washington Nationals are 40-35-8 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Washington Nationals is 0.6

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Cubs

06/13/14 2B Emilio Bonifacio Ribs 15-day DL (6/13)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)
03/28/14 P Kyuji Fujikawa Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Washington Nationals

07/02/14 P Stephen Strasburg Thumb probable next start
05/16/14 CF Eury Perez Toe 60-day DL (5/15)
03/29/14 P Ross Ohlendorf Back 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Erik Davis Elbow 60-day DL (2/13)

Tony's Pick: Take Chicago

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Tony Sink