Chicago fell to the Nationals, 10-4, to kick off the 2026 season.
It was an Opening Day to forget for the Cubs on Thursday as they allowed the Nationals to roll into town and put together a 10-4 victory at Wrigley Field. Major League Baseball allowed the Cubs to host a game on March 27, which ensured hot chocolate sales would be sky-high and the forecast could be adventurous.
As it turns out, things weren't all that bad on Chicago's North side. The game time temperature was 49 degrees with a wind clocked at 22 mph. Certainly nothing people who have been operating in worse conditions over the past few months couldn't get past with enthusiasm for a new year and a libation or two.The late-March wind did play a major role in the game, though, when Cubs' Ian Happ absolutely crushed a ball deep in the ninth inning that resulted in ... a harmless flyout that fell far short of the warning track.Since 2024, there have been 27 batted balls hit between 108-109 mph at a 32° LA.Yesterday, Ian Happ hit a ball 108.5 mph at a 32° LA, but it only went 320 ft. The wind was not friendly at Wrigley on Opening Day.If something about that doesn't look right, that's for good reason. Based on exit velocity and launch angle, Happ's ball should have gone a lot longer. Mike Petriello from MLB.com got a big chart out and calculated that the wind cost Happ 113 feet of distance on the drive.@WeatherApplied , we know that the wind cost him *113 feet* of distance -- which is now the largest stop in the data.That's pretty crazy. By the pure math and also on vibes. Anyone who has been to Wrigley understands it takes a bit of a blast to get a ball out on Waveland. For one to sail all the way back to moderately deep left field doesn't make much sense. But the numbers don't lie. Not getting rewarded for absolutely plastering a ball is a tough pill to swallow. Happ can rest a bit easier knowing that it wouldn't have changed the final score and that there will be plenty of days when the wind is blowing out at Wrigley. Perhaps the wind will add 113 feet to one of his home runs at some point this year.Kyle Koster is an assistant managing editor at Sports Illustrated covering the intersection of sports and media. He was formerly the editor in chief of The Big Lead, where he worked from 2011 to '24. Koster also did turns at the Chicago Sun-Times, where he created the Sports Pros blog, and at Woven Digital.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How to Watch Chicago Cubs on Opening Day: TV Channel, Live Stream and RadioThe Chicago Cubs are set to for opening day as the host the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field. Here’s how to watch it.
Read more »
Fans ready for Chicago Cubs Opening Day game at Wrigley Field against Washington NationalsCubs prepare to take on Washington Nationals for home opener at Wrigley Field
Read more »
Chicago Cubs set to host Washington Nationals for Opening Day 2026The Chicago Cubs open their season at Wrigley Field against the Washington Nationals.
Read more »
Cubs Finalizing Long-Term Extension With Nico HoernerThe Chicago Cubs are finalizing a long-term extension with second baseman Nico Hoerner.
Read more »
Cubs Cut Ties With 25-Year-Old Righty Just Before New SeasonThe Chicago Cubs were out of options on right-handed pitcher Jack Neely, so they had to cut him just before opening day.
Read more »
A new day for PCA: Pete Crow-Armstrong revels in being the face of Chicago CubsPete Crow-Armstrong's extension makes him the face of the Cubs' franchise. He's a persona that's already been embraced as a fan favorite and a player with MVP-type potential.
Read more »