Cubs win Battle of Heavyweights

Albert Almora Jr. #5 of the Chicago Cubs drives in the game winning run with a double in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 14, 2016 in Washington, DC. Chicago won the game 4-3.

(June 14, 2016 - Source: Greg Fiume/Getty Images North America)

The Chicago Cubs (44-19) win at the Washington Nationals (40-25) 4-3 in game two of their three-game series.

Chicago took the lead in the top of the third inning. With two outs, SP John Lackey and CF Dexter Fowler reached base on a single and a double. RF Jason Heyward drove them both in with a single to put the Cubs up 2-0.

In the bottom of the frame, the Nationals loaded the bases with a bunt single by SS Danny Espinosa, SP Gio Gonzalez was hit by a pitch with one out and CF Ben Revere hit a single to shallow left field. LF Jayson Werth flied out next but Danny Espinosa came home to cut the lead to one.

The Cubs restored their two-run lead in the fourth inning. 2B Ben Zobrist drew a leadoff walk, moved to second base on a groundout by 3B Javier Baez, stole third base on a walk to SS Addison Russel and crossed home plate on an RBI-single by C David Ross.

Washington made it a one-run game again in the seventh inning. Danny Espinosa was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. C Jose Lobaton followed with a double to move Danny Espinosa to third base and Ben Revere hit a sacrifice flyball to bring Espinosa home.

The Nationals tied the game one inning later. RF Bryce Harper drew a leadoff walk and hustled to third base on a one-out single from 1B Ryan Zimmerman. 3B Anthony Rendon followed with Washington’s third sacrifice flyball of the game and drove in Bryce Harper to tie the game at three runs apiece.

Washington’s celebrations did not last long. Addison Russell walked to lead off the ninth inning and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by David Ross. LF Albert Almora Jr. followed with his fourth big league hit, a double, and Addison Russell headed home to score the game-winning run for the Cubs.

John Lackey pitched 6 innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 walks and 2 earned runs while striking out 7. He posts an impressive 2.66 ERA with a 0.93 WHIP this year.

Gio Gonzalez worked 6.1 innings, giving up 5 hits, 4 walks and 3 earned runs while fanning 9. He has a 3.96 ERA on the season with a 1.27 WHIP.