June 07--The summary
After failing to get a hit the first time through the batting order, the Cubs responded Saturday with three runs on six hits in the next two innings, added an insurance run in the ninth and held on for a 4-2 victory over the Nationals in Washington.
At the plate
Dexter Fowler singled and scored the Cubs' first run in the fourth and had a two-out RBI double in the fifth before he scored on an Anthony Rizzo double. Jonathan Herrera added insurance with a two-out RBI single in the ninth.
On the mound: Jason Hammel gave up two runs on five hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in eight-plus innings. He left after giving up a leadoff home run to Bryce Harper in the ninth. Closer Hector Rondon was pulled after walking Anthony Rendon but Pedro Strop came in to retire the side, striking out two, including Ian Desmond with a runner at second to end the game.
In the field
Second baseman Addison Russell moved to shortstop with Starlin Castro sitting for the first time and handled four chances flawlessly. Chris Coghlan made a running catch in left for the second out of the seventh
Key number
9-0 -- Hammel's career record against the Nationals.
The quote
"I have no idea. Some places I just do better than others. I like pitching at this park. Other than that, you can't really tell." -- Hammel
Up next
At Nationals, 3:05 p.m. Sunday, CSN.
