The Chicago Cubs head to Nationals Park on Thursday, August 13 for a 4:05 PM ET first pitch against the Washington Nationals. Kevin Gausman gets the ball for Chicago against Washington's Cade Cavalli in what shapes up as an intriguing pitching matchup. The Cubs send a lineup loaded with recognizable names — Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, Alex Bregman, and Dansby Swanson among them — into a ballpark where they'll need to take care of business against a Nationals club building toward its future. Every August game carries playoff implications, and the Cubs can't afford to treat any series as a tune-up.

Cubs at Nationals: Starting Pitchers for August 13

Kevin Gausman draws the start for the Cubs. A veteran right-hander with a proven track record of missing bats, Gausman gives Chicago a reliable arm at the top of the rotation. His ability to command multiple pitches and work deep into games is exactly what the Cubs need when they're trying to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Opposing him is Cade Cavalli for Washington. The young right-hander has the kind of raw stuff that makes opposing hitters uncomfortable, and the Cubs' lineup will need to stay disciplined early, work counts, and resist chasing out of the zone. Cavalli is the type of pitcher who can make a lineup look overmatched if they're not locked in from the first pitch.

Cubs Lineup: Who to Watch at Nationals Park

Chicago is sending a deep, balanced lineup to the plate. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads off from center field, setting the table with his speed and on-base ability. Seiya Suzuki slots in second, followed by Michael Busch at first base and Alex Bregman cleaning up at the cleanup spot. Ian Happ rounds out a formidable top five. Pedro Ramírez, Dansby Swanson, Michael Conforto, and Miguel Amaya fill out the bottom of the order — a bottom third with enough experience and pop to do damage.

Keys to the Game for the Cubs

• Gausman's efficiency: The Cubs need Gausman to work deep into the game. Length from the starter keeps the bullpen fresh and sets the tone for the series.
• Crow-Armstrong on the bases: When PCA gets on, he creates problems for opposing defenses. His ability to take extra bases can change innings in a hurry.
• Bregman vs. Cavalli: Alex Bregman in the four-hole is a premium at-bat in any game situation. How Cavalli handles him — and whether Chicago's cleanup man can do damage — could define the offensive output.
• Disciplined at-bats early: Cavalli has swing-and-miss stuff. The Cubs need patience to drive up his pitch count and get into Washington's bullpen before the late innings.
• Swanson's defense up the middle: Dansby Swanson anchors the infield. Clean defense behind Gausman keeps rallies from snowballing.

Prediction: Cubs Win a Pitcher's Duel

This one has the makings of a tight, low-scoring ballgame. Gausman is capable of shutting down a young Nationals lineup, and if Bregman or Crow-Armstrong can break through for a big moment against Cavalli, the Cubs should have enough to come away with a win. Give the edge to Chicago, 3-1. Catch the action on Marquee Sports Network or listen on 104.3 The Score.