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.