The Chicago Cubs make the trip to Nationals Park on Wednesday, August 12 for a 6:45 PM ET first pitch against the Washington Nationals. David Peterson gets the ball for Chicago against Washington's Jackson Kent in what shapes up as a pivotal mid-August matchup. The Cubs are on the road, so there's no Wrigley Field crowd to lean on — just execution. Catch the game on Marquee Sports Network or listen in on 104.3 The Score.

Cubs vs. Nationals Starting Pitchers: Peterson vs. Kent

David Peterson draws the start for the Cubs. Peterson, a left-handed presence in Chicago's rotation, will need to navigate a Nationals lineup that has some legitimate young talent top to bottom. Without current ERA or win-loss figures available heading into Wednesday's game, what matters most is his command and ability to work deep into the game.

On the other side, Washington sends out Jackson Kent. The Cubs will need to do their homework on Kent and attack any weaknesses early. Road games in August require an aggressive approach, and getting to the Nationals' starter in the first few innings could set the tone for the entire night.

Washington Nationals Lineup to Watch

The Nationals are rolling out a lineup loaded with young players who can make noise. Here's what the Cubs are up against:

• Dylan Crews (RF, leadoff) — The former top prospect sets the table and will look to create early chaos for Peterson.
• Andrés Chaparro (1B) — Bats second and gives Washington a power threat near the top.
• Brady House (3B) — Hitting third, House is a name to know in this lineup.
• CJ Abrams (SS) — Cleaning up at four, Abrams is one of Washington's most dangerous hitters and a legitimate run-producer.
• Harry Ford (C) — The young catcher bats fifth and rounds out a formidable middle of the order.
• Andrew Pinckney (LF), Jacob Young (CF), Daylen Lile (DH), Nasim Nuñez (2B) — The bottom third isn't a giveaway. Young and Nuñez both bring speed and contact ability that can keep innings alive.

Keys to the Game for the Chicago Cubs

• Limit the damage against Crews and Abrams. Peterson has to be sharp at the top and middle of the order. Crews on base and Abrams driving him in is a nightmare scenario that needs to be avoided.
• Offense needs to be proactive. Sitting on the road in August, the Cubs cannot afford to fall behind early and play from behind all night. Getting to Kent quickly matters.
• Bullpen management. If Peterson runs into trouble, having the right arms ready out of the pen in a close game will be critical.

Prediction

This is a winnable road game. Washington's lineup is young and talented, but David Peterson has the stuff to keep it manageable if his command is on. The Cubs need to scratch out runs against Kent and trust the bullpen to hold the lead if they get one. Expect a tight, low-scoring affair that comes down to the final few innings. Cubs take it, 4-2.