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Cubs look to continue dominance of Nationals

Apr 25, 2008 - 2:48 PM Chicago Cubs (15-7) at Washington (7-16) 7:35 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - The Chicago Cubs can't wait to face the Washington Nationals.

The Cubs look to bounce back and continue their dominance of the Nationals when the teams open a three-game series on Friday.

Chicago, which had a six-game win streak snapped during a 4-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Thursday, won six of seven meetings with Washington last season - including three of four on the road.

Ryan Dempster (3-0, 3.00 ERA) tries to remain unbeaten when takes the mound for the Cubs on Friday.

Dempster, who spent most of the past three seasons in the bullpen, logged a pair of saves and a win in three appearances against the Nationals in 2007.

For his career, the 30-year-old righthander is 6-0 with a 3.40 ERA in 18 appearances - 10 starts - against the Washington franchise.

Odalis Perez (0-3, 3.38) counters for the Nationals, who are tied with the Texas Rangers for the fewest wins in the majors.

Despite allowing less than two runs in each of his last three starts, Perez is still winless this season.

The 30-year-old lefthander allowed one unearned run and five hits in six innings, but did not factor in the decision as Washington suffered a 6-1 setback to the Florida Marlins on Sunday.