8/23/08 vs Nationals; L 5-13; (78-50)

The Washington Nationals rank dead last in runs scored. The Chicago Cubs are top five in least runs allowed. But there is a reason they play the games. Washington erupted for 13 runs, a season high allowed by Chicago, to defeat the Cubs in the series opener.

Jason Marquis was staked to an early 4-0 lead. Through five innings he held the Nationals scoreless and had allowed only a walk and two singles. His sixth inning was a little rougher. An infield single and two walks loaded the bases with no out. A sac fly was followed by a double to cut the lead to two runs, with the tying runs in scoring position and one out.

Neil Cotts was called on for relief. He walked the first batter and then gave up a grand slam to Willie Harris. That would prove to be all the runs Washington needed, but they added one off Bob Howry and six off Chad Guadin for good measure.

Chicago did manage ten hits, with Lee and DeRosa each getting home runs to help the Cubs to the early lead. For Lee, it was his first home run since July 27th. DeRosa's was his second in as many days. His hot hitting continues and he has a career high in rbi this year with a month left in the season.

Chicago still maintains the best record in baseball as the Angels lost as well. Their NL Central lead slipped a game as both the Brewers and Cardinals won. Chicago will have to take two in a row to keep their series win streak alive. With Dempster and Harden on the mound in the next two starts it shouldn't be a problem. Especially with Washington wasting all their runs in one day.