Friday, June 27, 2014, 3:05 PM on MASN, WGN

Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

Washington Nationals - Roark, T (7-4) vs. Chicago Cubs - Hammel, J (6-5)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday afternoon, Tanner Roark and the Washington Nationals will square off against Jason Hammel and the Chicago Cubs.  Both pitchers will be making their 16th starts of the season.

Tanner Roark won his 4th straight game in his last outing and that boosted his record to 7 – 4 with a 2.79 ERA. In the win, Roark allowed just a single run on 4 hits as he walked 3 and struck out 3.  Roark has been on a tear in his last 4 outings, allowing just 4 runs in that span.   He has tied his win total from his rookie season in 2013 when he posted a 7 – 1 record and an ERA of 1.51 in 5 starts and 9 relief appearances.

Last season, Roark was 1 – 0 in a relief appearance against the Cubs but he allowed 2 runs on 4 hits in 1.2 innings of work.  The Cubs are batting just .143 against Roark with 2 hits and an RBI in 14 at-bats.

Jason Hammel took the loss in his last start and that dropped his record to 6 – 5 with an ERA of 2.99.  In the loss, Hammel went 7 innings and gave up 2 runs on 6 hits (including a homer).  He walked a batter while striking out 6. Less than halfway through the season, Hammel has already basically matched last season when he finished with a 7 – 8 record (with a save) and a 4.97 ERA in 23 starts and 3 relief appearances with the Baltimore Orioles.

In 2013, Hammel won his only start against the Nationals on the strength of an 8 inning, 2 run and 8 hit performance.  Ryan Zimmerman could be an issue for Hammel as Zimmerman is batting .360 with a homer and 4 RBIs off of the right-hander.

Washington Nationals Betting Trends

Washington Nationals are 35-34-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Washington Nationals is 0.6

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 37-34-4 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.1

Injuries to Watch

Washington Nationals

06/11/14 C Wilson Ramos Hamstring 15-day DL (6/10)
05/16/14 CF Eury Perez Toe 60-day DL (5/15)
04/27/14 LF Bryce Harper Thumb 15-day DL (4/26)
04/13/14 LF Jeff Kobernus Hand 60-day DL (4/12)
03/29/14 P Ross Ohlendorf Back 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Erik Davis Elbow 60-day DL (2/13)

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)

Tony's Pick: Take Washington

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