Wiemer’s Historic Night: Nationals Stun Cubs to Take Opening Series
The Washington Nationals may have entered the 2026 season as underdogs, but Joey Wiemer is making sure the rest of the league takes notice. On a windy Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field, Wiemer put together a performance for the history books, leading the Nationals to a 6-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs. By the time the final out was recorded, Wiemer had not only hit a towering three-run home run and his first career triple, but he also became the first player in franchise history to reach base in each of his first eight career plate appearances with the club.
A Masterclass at the Plate
Joey Wiemer's impact was felt almost immediately. In the first inning, with two runners on, he launched a blast off Cubs starter Shota Imanaga to give Washington an early 3-0 lead. He followed that up in the fourth with a leadoff triple, showcasing the rare combination of power and speed that made him a key target for the Nationals in the offseason. Wiemer finished the day 3-for-3 with a walk, serving as the engine for a Washington offense that looks surprisingly potent in the early stages of the 2026 campaign.
Catcher Keibert Ruiz also added to the damage, connecting on a two-run homer in the eighth inning to provide crucial insurance. The Nationals' aggressive approach at the plate rattled the Cubs' pitching staff, forcing Imanaga into an early exit after five innings of work.
Bregman’s Multi-Homer Debut Not Enough for Cubs
The Chicago Cubs’ faithful had reason to cheer early on, as marquee free-agent signing Alex Bregman delivered his first two home runs in a Cubs uniform. Bregman, who joined Chicago on a massive $175 million contract in January, hit solo shots in both the fourth and eighth innings. Ian Happ also added a solo homer, but the North Siders struggled to generate offense with runners on base. All three of Chicago’s runs came via solo blasts, highlighting a lack of situational hitting that proved costly in the rubber match of the series.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted after the game that while Bregman’s power is a welcome addition, the team needs more consistent production from the middle of the order. The Cubs drop to 1-2 on the season, a disappointing start for a team with high playoff aspirations.
Nationals’ Pitching and the Road Ahead
On the mound, Washington's Jake Irvin earned the win with a solid five-inning performance, allowing just two runs while striking out seven. The bullpen, which was a major weakness for the team in previous seasons, held firm. Clayton Beeter worked a clean ninth inning to earn his first save as a National, sealing the series victory. The win marks a significant milestone for a Washington franchise that is finally seeing its long-term rebuilding efforts bear fruit.
As the Nationals head home, the emergence of Wiemer as a bona fide star gives the fan base plenty of reason for optimism. If the young core can continue to outplay veteran-laden rosters like Chicago's, the NL East might have a new contender to worry about in 2026.
