I’m getting ready because I’m actually going to the game this afternoon and then to Riot Fest to watch Cypress Hill, The Offspring, and Public Enemy. That should be a good day in the Windy City. The good news as we head into the second to last Friday afternoon game of the season is that the Cubs are basically out of the running, meaning no one really cares that they’re not getting any in-depth analysis here.

Maybe some of you still do, and I’m grateful for that. It’s been a really strange season, not usually in a good way, but it’s beyond cool that so many people are choosing to interact with us here. I just hope that between now and the start of spring training, the organization does enough to make 2025 a much more enjoyable experience for all of us.

You can check out the lineup card below if you want, but rest assured it’s more of the same as the last few weeks. That’s generally a good thing considering how well the offense has performed aside from a few minor lapses. Jameson Taillon is on the mound and he’s been pretty good lately, so maybe the Cubs can get another win to rebuild their pride after the last two crappy series losses.

Starting for the Nats is old friend Trevor Williams, who is *looks at notes, looks again* 5-0 with a 2.22 ERA in 11 starts. This is his first appearance since May 30 due to an elbow issue that put him on the 60-day IL, so it’s hard to say what he’ll be working with and how little room he’ll have. His 89 mph fastball worked incredibly well to begin with, but this feels like a mirage.

As much as I like the guy — and his dad is great, too, by the way — I sincerely hope this game improves Williams’ ERA by at least one point. First pitch is at 1:20 p.m. CT on Marquee and 670 The Score.