The Chicago Cubs lost 9-2 to the Washington Nationals on Thursday night, dropping their sixth consecutive game of the season. It's been an abysmal stretch for the team, which has won just eight times over its past 36 games since July 30.
The Cubs' pitchers struggled badly once again, allowing nine or more runs for the third straight game. Jordan Zimmermann was superb for Washington, though, allowing two runs and striking out nine over seven innings of work.
Thursday's game was highlighted by a pair of bench-clearing incidents during the middle of the game. The Cubs saw catcher Steve Clevenger and coach Jamie Quirk get ejected, but nobody from the Nationals was forced to leave the game.
Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro combined for five hits, including a homer by the first baseman and a pair of extra-base knocks by the shortstop, but Zimmermann did a good job of spreading out the hits that he did allow. Kurt Suzuki led the Nationals with three hits, including a three-run homer.
For more on this series, check out Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Washington Nationals blog Federal Baseball. Follow Baseball Nation for all your up-to-date MLB news and analysis.
