Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals simulated game, Thursday 4/16, 3 p.m. CT

The Cubs lost 5-4 to the Orioles yesterday, thus splitting the two-game series. Anthony Santander’s three-run homer was the difference in the game. Here are some highlights from the loss:

Here are the Cubs’ results and upcoming schedule for this month:

Here at BCB, we are going to play simulated games for every game on the Cubs‘ 2020 schedule via MLB The Show 20. This will continue until the actual schedule begins, or we get some clarity on what’s actually going to happen with baseball this year.

Here is the complete BCB Mediacenter where all our BCB simulated games will be located. You can watch previous games which are all archived there, but please note: We won’t have the actual link to the live broadcast of today’s specific game until it starts. At that time, Duane will drop the direct link into the comments to this post around 3 p.m CT. Until then you can use the link in this paragraph as a guide to where to find the game. All of our simulated games will begin at 3 p.m. CT.

Here are today’s particulars.

This is Game 19 of the 2020 season, Cubs vs. Nationals at Nationals Park, the first of a four-game series. The Cubs enter today with a 13-5 record. The Nats are 13-4, in first place in the N.L. East.

Jon Lester will start for the Cubs. Patrick Corbin will start for the Nationals.

Today’s lineups:

Cubs

Bryant 3B, Rizzo 1B, Baez SS, Happ CF, Souza LF, Bote 2B, Contreras C, Lester P, Almora CF

Just shaking things up a bit by batting Jon Lester eighth. Also, Willson Contreras has been slumping and has not homered yet this year, so it’s a temporary move down in the lineup for him.

Nationals

Turner SS, Eaton CF, Soto LF, Thames RF, Kendrick 2B, Zimmerman 1B, Suzuki C, Castro 3B, Corbin P

There won’t be any traditional-style “recaps” of these games. Duane will post some clips and boxscores in his Cub Tracks and Baseball history unpacked posts the morning after each game, so we can track this simulated season as it unfolds. We’ll post the standings as each day goes by.

A note on the headline here, because I know you’re going to ask: This is a real thread. The game is what is simulated.

Looking to join in on the fun? If so, you can get your own copy of MLB The Show. Here’s where you can order the game.

Enjoy, and discuss amongst yourselves.