Cubs extend winning streak to secure season-best standing after Nationals defeat
Home runs from Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman and Seiya Suzuki powered the rally, while Shota Imanaga exited early in the fifth inning.
The Chicago Cubs have cemented their position in the National League wild-card race, improving to a season-best 70-50 record following an 8-6 victory over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. The win extends a significant winning streak that has seen the franchise move from a .500 standing in June to a commanding 20 games above the mark.
Chicago overcame an early deficit, having trailed 3-1 after the second inning, to secure the win. The turning point came in the third inning when Pete Crow-Armstrong launched his 27th home run of the season. The shot, estimated at 437 feet, struck the facade of the third deck in right field, providing a crucial offensive spark for the Cubs.
Alex Bregman contributed significantly to the offensive output, hitting his 13th home run and finishing the game 2 for 4 with three runs scored. Seiya Suzuki added to the power display with his 20th home run in the eighth inning, extending the Cubs' lead to 8-4 at that stage.
Washington’s All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams kept the Nationals competitive, hitting his 29th home run in the first inning. This performance increased his major league-leading RBI total to 91, matching Ian Desmond’s 2014 season record for the most RBIs by a Nationals shortstop. Abrams has been particularly effective recently, recording 11 home runs and 31 RBIs in his last 31 games.
On the mound, Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga allowed three home runs and departed in the fifth inning with the team leading 6-4. Ryan Rolison entered the game to record the next four outs, maintaining the lead as the Nationals attempted a late rally.
The Nationals managed to score two runs in the eighth inning against reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, narrowing the gap to 8-6. However, Jacob Webb secured the final four outs to record his eighth save of the season, preserving the victory for Chicago.
The Cubs’ recent form has been dominant, with a 36-16 record since June 10. They are now set to face Washington again on Wednesday, with left-hander David Peterson scheduled to start for Chicago, while the Nationals are expected to promote top prospect Jackson Kent from Triple-A.
