Cubs Score Today: Cubs vs Nationals Game 2 Preview

The 2026 MLB season is officially underway, and Chicago Cubs fans are already on edge after a rough Opening Day. The Cubs dropped Game 1 of their home series against the Washington Nationals 10-4, and now all eyes are on Game 2 at Wrigley Field on Saturday, March 28, with first pitch set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Whether you're tracking the live score, looking for betting lines, or just catching up on what happened, here's everything you need to know about the Cubs-Nationals series right now.

Cubs vs. Nationals: Opening Day Recap (March 26, 2026)

The Cubs' 2026 season got off to a painful start. The Washington Nationals — a team that went 66-96 last year and finished fifth in the NL East — handed Chicago a decisive 10-4 loss on Opening Day at Wrigley Field. It was a result few saw coming, and it marked a statement win for first-year Nationals manager Blake Butera.

According to AP News, the victory was Butera's first win as Washington's skipper, setting an early positive tone for a rebuild-mode club trying to prove it can compete. For the Cubs, a team that went 92-70 in 2025 and finished second in the NL Central, the loss is a wake-up call heading into Game 2.

Cubs vs. Nationals Game 2: Time, TV, and What to Watch

Game 2 of the three-game series is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The afternoon start gives Cubs fans an early chance to watch their team respond after the Opening Day stumble.

Chicago will be leaning heavily on home-field advantage. The Cubs were an impressive 50-31 at home during the 2025 regular season — one of the better home records in the National League. Meanwhile, the Nationals struggled away from D.C., going just 34-47 on the road last year. On paper, the Cubs have every reason to bounce back.

For a full breakdown of the matchup and what to watch heading into first pitch, AP News has a full series preview covering both rosters and storylines.

Cubs vs. Nationals Odds and Betting Lines for March 28

The sportsbooks have spoken clearly: Chicago is expected to win Game 2. Here's a quick look at the current lines:

• Money line (Cubs): -232 (DraftKings Sportsbook)
• Money line (Nationals): Significant underdog
• Over/Under: 8.5 runs

A -232 money line means bettors would need to wager $232 to win $100 on a Cubs victory — reflecting how heavily favored Chicago is at home. The total of 8.5 runs suggests oddsmakers expect a moderately active offensive game, though not a blowout in either direction.

The Cubs' strong home record and the Nationals' poor road numbers from 2025 both support the favorite line. That said, Washington proved on Thursday that they're capable of putting up crooked numbers — they scored 10 runs against a Cubs team that had plenty to prove.

For the latest odds, tips, and betting trends, USA Today's Sportsbook Wire has a full breakdown for March 28.

Expert Picks and Model Predictions for Game 2

Sports prediction models are siding with the Cubs to even the series on Saturday. Chicago's combination of home-field edge, superior 2025 record, and a motivated roster looking to shake off a bad Opening Day makes them a logical favorite for Game 2.

Still, the Nationals' ability to post 10 runs against Cubs pitching on Thursday introduces real uncertainty. Washington may have exposed some vulnerabilities in Chicago's roster early in the season — the kind of thing that takes a few weeks to sort out as pitchers and hitters find their rhythm.

CBS Sports' proven model has released its full picks and predictions for Saturday's game, including a best bet recommendation that factors in both team trends and situational data from the start of the 2026 season.

Cubs Roster Watch: Free Agent Storylines Heading Into 2026

Beyond the scoreboard, there are lingering roster questions surrounding the Cubs this spring. One notable storyline: former Cubs All-Star Marcus Stroman remains unsigned as MLB teams open their 2026 seasons.

Stroman, who spent time with Chicago and established himself as one of the more durable starters in the game during his prime, is still seeking a contract as the regular season gets underway. Heavy.com reports that Stroman remains a free agent with teams yet to commit to the veteran right-hander. Whether the Cubs — or another contender — makes a late-spring move for pitching depth remains to be seen.

Depth and rotation reliability will be key themes for Chicago in 2026 after the Nationals' big offensive output on Opening Day raised questions about the Cubs' pitching staff heading into the full 162-game schedule.

Cubs 2026 Season Outlook After a Rough Start

One loss doesn't define a season, and Cubs fans know that better than anyone. Chicago's 92-70 record in 2025 showed a team with genuine playoff potential — and that core is largely intact heading into 2026. The real question is how quickly the Cubs can shake off the Opening Day loss and establish their identity at Wrigley Field.

History favors a bounce-back. Teams with strong home records and deep rosters tend to respond well after early stumbles, especially at home. The Cubs' 50-31 home mark last season wasn't a fluke — it reflected a genuine advantage at Wrigley Field that opposing teams need to account for all season long.

If Chicago can take Game 2 on Saturday and close out the series on Sunday, this Opening Day loss will be little more than a blip in the rearview mirror. A series loss at home to a rebuilding Nationals team, on the other hand, would be a real cause for concern.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cubs Score and Series

What was the Cubs score on Opening Day 2026?

The Chicago Cubs lost to the Washington Nationals 10-4 on Opening Day, Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Wrigley Field.

What time is Cubs vs. Nationals Game 2?

First pitch for Game 2 is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

What are the odds for Cubs vs. Nationals on March 28?

As of the latest lines from DraftKings Sportsbook, the Cubs are a -232 money line favorite. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs.

Who is Blake Butera?

Blake Butera is the new manager of the Washington Nationals. He earned his first managerial win when the Nationals defeated the Cubs 10-4 on Opening Day, March 26, 2026.

How did the Cubs perform at home in 2025?

The Cubs were one of the stronger home teams in the NL last year, posting a 50-31 home record during the 2025 regular season as part of their 92-70 overall finish.

Conclusion: Can the Cubs Bounce Back Saturday?

The 2026 MLB season is just getting started, and the Cubs find themselves in an unexpected hole after surrendering 10 runs on Opening Day to a Nationals team that most analysts picked to struggle. Game 2 at Wrigley Field on Saturday afternoon is a must-watch for Cubs fans — and a critical early-season test for a Chicago roster with genuine playoff aspirations.

With a -232 money line and strong home-field history, the oddsmakers and statisticians believe the Cubs will right the ship on March 28. But baseball has a short memory for expectations, and Washington showed on Thursday that they're capable of making a statement. Tune in at 2:20 p.m. ET to see how this series unfolds.