Cubs Pull Away in the 5th

The Nats lost 8-3 to the visiting Cubs on Tuesday evening to open their six game home stand. Al & Tim start with Trevor Williams; who was taken out in the pivotal top of the 5th and was charged with five runs allowed.  Williams threw a shutout last week, but this outing was in line with his season that sports a 6.03 ERA in a dozen starts.

(07:30) Five bullpen arms were needed and the first one used struggled the most.  Andrew Chafin relieved Williams in the 5th and walked two of the three hitters he faced.  Jackson Rutledge interestingly was used in the top of the 9th in mop-up duty.

(11:45) The offense scored three runs right away, but did nothing in the final six frames.  Luis Garcia Jr. had a trio of hits and had a RBI single in the bottom of the 1st.

(15:30) Jose Teña did not properly handle a grounder in the top of the 4th and it led to a big inning for Chicago to tie the game.

(19:00) MacKenzie Gore will take the mound on Wednesday vs. the Cubs.  Gore is tied with Boston's Garrett Crochet for the most strikeouts at 101.

(23:25) ESPN's Jeff Passan handicapped every team and where they fit into the eventual Trade Deadline.  Al & Tim respond to what he wrote about Kyle Finnegan and the Nats organization.