CHICAGO CUBS VS. WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Season Series: Matchups:

Nationals, 4-3. Nats manager Dusty Baker faces one of his former teams; he managed Cubs from 2003-06, with one playoff appearance. That came in 2003, which featured the “Steve Bartman” game at Wrigley Field and a heartbreaking loss to Marlins in NLCS . ... Nationals outscored Cubs 3928 in head-to-head meetings.

BIG PICTURE Cubs:

Chicago (92-70) has been there, done that, and comes into postseason without burden of the longest championship drought in North American sports. That ended with last year’s captivating run to first World Series title since 1908. Now, after reaching playoffs for third straight year under manager Joe Maddon, Cubs eyeing their first championship repeat since 1907-08.

NL East champions for the fourth time in six years, Nationals (97-65) are still searching for their first playoff series victory . ... Baker has taken Washington to postseason during both his years in charge, but is not under contract beyond 2017. He says the team told him his status will be determined after this season ends.

Nationals: WATCH FOR Schwarber’s Time.

Sent to the minors after a rough start, Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber finished season on a strong note. He hit .311 with six homers in his final 16 games and could once again be a big factor in October. He set a franchise record with five homers in the 2015 playoffs.

Two-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer left his last start in the fourth inning after tweaking his right hamstring. While Scherzer insists he will pitch in the NLDS, it’s unclear exactly when and how hurt he might be.

2015 NL MVP Bryce Harper can change a game all by himself with his batting, baserunning or powerful outfield arm. But he missed about a quarter of the season after hyperextending his left knee and only returned for five games in the final week, going 3 for 18.

Scherzer’s Hammy. Harper’s Health.