The Cubs spent their holiday at our nation’s capital doing something they’ve done too much all season, losing a close game. The Cubs (35-51) gave up two early runs in the first inning to the Nationals, but were able to come back to take a two run lead into the bottom of the sixth. Washington (43-43) would close to within one before tying the game in the seventh. The game would then go in to extra innings, where the Nationals scored the winning run on a wild pitch by Carlos Marmol in the bottom of the 10th inning.
The offense of the Cubs was able to hit the Nationals Jordan Zimmerman. Zimmerman came in to Monday’s game coming off a spectacular June in which he posted an ERA of just 0.85. July didn’t start off as well for the Nationals righty. Zimmerman gave up four runs on eight hits in his six innings of work and earned a no decision.
After a shaky first inning Casey Coleman gave the Cubs a nice start. Coleman, who was called up to replace Ryan Dempster who was skipped because of an illness, went five and a third and allowed three runs (two earned) on just five hits. The Cubs righty also earned a no decision.
Henry Rodriguez pitched a perfect 10th inning to earn the win. Rodriguez is now 3-1 on the season. Marcos Mateo (1-2) took the loss for the Cubs Monday.
The Cubs and Nationals will meet in game two of the four game series Tuesday evening.
The Chicago Cubs couldn't have picked a better place to celebrate the Fourth of July then our nation's capital. Not only will they get to enjoy all the festivities associated with Independece Day, they also are going to a stadium where they've had a lot of recent success. Monday the Cubs will go for their eighth straight victory at Nationals Park. In the previous seven games the Cubs have outscored the Nationals 44-16. The offensive star in those games has been former National Alfonso Soriano. Soriano has hit .348 with four homers and 11 RBI's.
Things might be a little more difficult for the Cubs on Monday. Jordan Zimmerman will get the start for Washington in game one of the series. Zimmerman is coming off an incredible June in which he had an ERA of 0.85 in his six outings. The Nationals righty is 5-7 on the season with an ERA of 2.63. Zimmerman has also set a Nationals record by throwing 11 straight quality starts, and has allowed two runs or less in his last eight.
The Cubs will counter with Casey Coleman. Ryan Dempster originally was scheduled to start Monday, but was scratched because of a weekend illness and a sore back. Coleman was recalled from Triple-A on Monday. In his previous outings with the Cubs, the righty has a record of 2-4 with an ERA of 7.78.
The forecast at the time of first pitch is temps in the 90's with a slight chance of storms. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 CST. The game can be seen on WGN.
