Javier Assad took the ball to take a stab at opening game of a three-game set, wearing the baby blues. He was opposed by Nationals’ hurler Jake Irvin, whose stats don’t blow anyone away.

Kyle Tucker still has a calf and will work out this morning to determine what direction to steer him in. PCA is back in, batting cleanup. He drove in Ian Happ, who had walked, with the game’s first run [VIDEO]. Seiya Suzuki scored from first on a Nico Hoerner floater to left [VIDEO]. Dansby Swanson had deep thoughts (22) [VIDEO]. The Cubs sent nine men to the plate for a relatively comfortable cushion, given that a gale was blowing out to right [VIDEO].

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Reese McGuire also took advantage of the conditions to hit a big fly (8) [VIDEO], while Sammy Sosa was talking to Wayne Randazzo and Dontrelle Willis. Seems fateful.

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Sammy and Derrek Lee are of course being honored this weekend, and Happy Birthday to D-Lee, who turns 50 today. The Cubs Hall of Fame has two new members.

The lead shrank, inevitably on such a day [VIDEO]. But Willi Castro got those runs back [VIDEO]. It didn’t stop there. Nico Hoerner swatted a homer, his first of the year at Wrigley (6) [VIDEO]. Ian Happ got in on the fun (20) [VIDEO].

Porter Hodge wielded his scalpel and it was over. Nigel is down with the score. We only want what’s best for him.

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