Game Recap: Chicago Cubs take the series and defeat the Washington Nationals, 5-3

Washington D.C. - This afternoon, the Chicago Cubs defeated the Washington Nationals, 5-3, and lost the series to the Cubs. The Nationals have a record of 61-75 and are 12-12 against N.L. Central and N.L. 40-53 this season.

The losing pitcher was LHP DJ Herz, who now has a record of 2-7 and an ERA of 4.09. The winning pitcher for the Chicago Cubs was Javier Assad, who now has a record of 7-4. Porter Hodge got his third save of the season for the Cubs.

DJ Herz threw 87 pitches with 55 of them being strikes over 4.2 innings of work. Herz struck out five, walking only two and giving up three hits and four runs. The Washington Nationals combination from the bullpen of Jacob Barnes, Robert Garcia, Eduardo Salazar, Joe La Sorsa, and Tanner Rainey only gave up one run and four hits and struck out two batters.

The Washington Nationals' bullpen now has a 2.30 ERA and has only given up 23 runs over 90.1 innings since August 5th. Entering tonight's game, the Nationals bullpen has outperformed the Houston Astros' 2.51 ERA.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Nationals got ten hits and left eight on base. Some highlights include José Tena reaching base four times for the first time in his career and finishing the game 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. Tena has now hit safely in 12 16 games with the Nationals and has seven multi-hit games.

Dylan Crews also recorded a hit in this afternoon's game and has now hit safely in his last four games. He also recorded his first career outfield assist, throwing out Cubs Seiya Suzuki at home in the eighth inning. Additionally, catcher Drew Millas recorded his second consecutive multi-hit game and finished the game 2-for-4.

Tomorrow, the Nationals will look to avoid being swept by the Chicago Cubs and will send LHP Mitchell Parker to the mound. Parker has a record of 7-8 and an ERA of 4.26 and is just two wins shy of the Nationals rookie record for wins in a season.

RHP Jameson Taillon is scheduled to take the mound tomorrow for his 24th season start for the Chicago Cubs. Taillon is coming off a strong performance on August 26 in Pittsburgh, where he earned his ninth win of the year; Taillon has been a consistent contributor to the team.

In 2023, Jameson faced the Nationals twice, allowing six runs in 8.2 innings pitched. Despite the runs allowed, he did not receive a decision in either game.