Venue and first pitch:
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. TV/streaming options include Marquee Sports Network (MARQ), Nationals.TV, and platforms such as Fubo.
This is the series finale; the Cubs have already won the first two games (8-6 and 12-6).
Weather forecast: Hot and humid conditions expected in D.C. Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F (around 89–93°F), with RealFeel temperatures potentially reaching the upper 90s to low 100s due to humidity. Partly sunny with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms or showers (roughly 25–55% chance in some forecasts). Light winds (WNW or variable, 5–8 mph). Typical mid-August heat that could favor hitters if the ball carries, though any storms may impact the later innings.
Probable starters:
- Cubs: RHP Kevin Gausman (6-10, 4.29 ERA, ≈1.26 WHIP, 131 K in 134.1 IP). The veteran right-hander, acquired at the trade deadline, made a strong Cubs debut (7 IP, 2 ER in one report). Underlying metrics (xERA/FIP) are often better than the surface ERA; known for his splitter. Limited recent history vs. Nationals.
- Nationals: RHP Cade Cavalli (9-5, 3.57 ERA, ≈1.30 WHIP, 141 K in 128.2 IP). One of Washington’s more consistent starters this season, with a string of quality starts (6 IP or fewer than 3 ER in recent outings). Solid K rate and has shown the ability to limit damage. Faced the Cubs earlier in the year with mixed results.
Current key roster notes / top performers:
Cubs lineup features Pete Crow-Armstrong (high AVG ≈.284, power ≈27 HR, RBI leader ≈73), Alex Bregman (extremely hot — 3-HR, 7-RBI game on Aug. 12), Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, Michael Busch, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, and others. Strong overall offense (≈.250 AVG, 155 HR, high run production) and solid pitching staff ERA (≈4.08).
Nationals rely on CJ Abrams (high AVG ≈.284, RBI production), James Wood (when healthy, power leader), Daylen Lile, Keibert Ruiz, and supporting pieces. Higher team power (≈176 HR) and comparable AVG (≈.252), but higher team ERA (≈4.76). Home record has been weaker (26-36 range).
Injury reports (latest available):
Cubs: Extensive list — Matt Shaw (10-day IL, hand); multiple 15-day IL including Daniel Palencia (elbow), Hoby Milner (appendicitis), Gavin Hollowell (shoulder), Phil Maton (knee), Edward Cabrera (hamstring); long-term 60-day IL includes Justin Steele, Shelby Miller, Hunter Harvey, Cade Horton, Porter Hodge, Riley Martin, Ben Brown, and others (mostly elbows/arms).
Nationals: James Wood (10-day IL, oblique); Drew Millas (10-day IL, finger); Connelly Early (15-day IL, elbow); 60-day IL includes Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Ken Waldichuk, Richard Lovelady, Mitchell Parker, PJ Poulin (mostly elbows/arms).
Key player vs. player / matchup notes:
Gausman’s splitter and experience will be tested by a Nationals lineup that can hit for power (Abrams, remaining bats) but is missing Wood. Cavalli’s strong recent form and K ability face a surging Cubs offense led by Bregman’s historic power outburst and Crow-Armstrong’s all-around production. Series so far has been high-scoring with Cubs bats dominating (20 runs in two games). Prior head-to-heads for the starters are limited; Gausman’s control vs. Washington’s contact/power and Cavalli’s secondary pitches vs. Chicago’s lefty-heavy or aggressive approach will be key. Infield defense favors the Cubs.
Recent team forms:
Cubs: Excellent (roughly 8-2 last 10; 4-1 last 5; won three straight and scored heavily, including the two series wins). Strong contenders in the NL Central (2nd, a few games behind Milwaukee).
Nationals: Mixed (around 4-6 or 3-2 last 5–10); dropped the first two of this series after a prior winning streak vs. Cincinnati. Struggling overall and at home while sitting 4th in the NL East.
Series history: Cubs lead the current three-game set 2-0 and hold an edge in the 2026 season series after splitting earlier meetings. Chicago has dominated the recent matchups with explosive offense. Historical interleague/NL matchups vary, but current form heavily favors the visitors.
Game Odds
Chicago Cubs – 143
Washington Nationals 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, August 12, 2026
