The young Nationals got a taste of the Wrigley Field atmosphere on Saturday, and it was as loud as advertised. The crowd noise played a role in a tough 10-2 loss to the Cubs, marked by a costly miscommunication between shortstop Nasim Nuñez and left fielder Daylen Lile.
In the second inning, with the wind swirling, Nuñez and Lile collided while chasing a fly ball from Michael Busch. The ball dropped, allowing Moisés Ballesteros and Miguel Amaya to score, and Nuñez was tagged with the fielding error.
Manager Blake Butera reflected on the mishap, saying, “It hurts. Both guys were trying to make a play, but it was just a miscommunication. The wind was a factor all day, and that one really stung as two runs came in.”
Nuñez explained the challenge, “I called the ball at third base and ended up in the outfield. The wind took it, and someone had to catch it. It’s just one of those plays.”
The Cubs capitalized, turning what could have been the final out into a four-run inning that set the tone for the game. Butera acknowledged the effect of the crowd, noting, “They couldn’t hear each other.
Credit to the fans here, they’re loud on popups. It’s tough.”
The Nationals had drilled defensive plays throughout Spring Training, but nothing can quite mimic the roar of 34,834 fans at Wrigley. Nuñez added, “You can practice all you want in an empty stadium, but it’s different in a game.
We’ll adapt. It’s not going to happen often.”
This game marked only the fifth appearance at Wrigley for both Nuñez, 25, and Lile, 23. With CJ Abrams absent due to a family matter, Nuñez stepped in at shortstop. Cubs left fielder Ian Happ quickly assessed the conditions, warning his team about the challenging wind.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell remarked, “Ian came in and said it’s rough in left field today. We took advantage of those conditions, putting four runs on the board without hitting the ball hard.”
Despite the tough break, Nuñez showcased his defensive prowess later in the game. He made a remarkable play on a 92.6 mph grounder from Busch, diving onto the outfield grass and firing an off-balance throw to first base. First baseman Luis García Jr. made the scoop, completing the impressive play.
Nuñez described the moment as “slow motion,” adding, “I didn’t really know how I did it. It was cool to see everyone’s reactions.”
Butera praised the effort, calling the play “unbelievable” and emphasizing the importance of resilience. “A credit to Nas and our team.
We made a mistake, but we turned the page and kept fighting. It shows a lot about our character.”
The Nationals may have faced a setback, but their determination and flashes of brilliance suggest they’re ready to grow from the experience.