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Marshall, Cubs go for series win over Nationals

Jul 5, 2007 - 2:27 PM Chicago Cubs (42-41) at Washington (34-50) 7:05 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Experiencing a setback for only the second time in nearly two weeks, the Chicago Cubs go for a series win when they meet the Washington Nationals in the series finale of the four-game set on Thursday.

Before Wednesday's 6-0 defeat to the Nationals, the Cubs had won 10 of 11. However, Chicago will look to take six of the seven games between the teams, as this is the final meeting between the teams this season.

Their fortunes appear to be in good hands, as Sean Marshall (4-3, 3.50 ERA) has enjoyed some success against the Nationals in his short career. In two lifetime appearances - one start - he is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA against them, with eight strikeouts over 10 innings.

The lefthander was not so fortunate on Saturday, however, as he was roughed up for seven runs and seven hits in a 13-4 loss to Milwaukee. It was his first loss since May 28 - a span of six starts.

Washington counters with Jason Bergmann (1-5, 3.47), who has been largely ineffective since his return on the disabled list with elbow inflammation. In his last start before his DL stint, Bergmann had a late no-hit bit thwarted and struck out a career-high 10 Braves batters. Since then, he is 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA, lasting just four frames in each of his two outings.

The righthander will be making just his second career start against the Cubs. He took the loss on May 4 against them, allowing four earned runs and eight hits over six innings.