WASHINGTON _ Victor Caratini smacked a grand slam, but his clutch hitting couldn't overcome the shortcomings of the Cubs' pitching staff as Bryce Harper capped a comeback with a two-run home run in the seventh to vault the Nationals to a 6-5 lead.
The game was stopped in the bottom of the eight due to rain. The start of the game was delayed by 15 minutes after an extended ceremony honoring former Nationals player Jayson Werth.
Cubs left-hander Cole Hamels walked five in 52/3 innings and was pulled after allowing a two-out RBI double to Adrian Sanchez.
Reliever Steve Cishek allowed an infield hit to Trea Turner and RBI double to Anthony Rendon in the seventh.
Left-hander Justin Wilson relieved Cishek, but Harper launched a two-run home run over the center-field fence.
The Cubs had expanded their lead to 5-3 in the top of the seventh when pinch-runner Terrance Gore stole second and third base, and Kris Bryant followed with a double with two out.
Caratini's slam was the first of his career.
