Nationals vs Cubs: Did Jake Irvin set the tone before the Nats added late insurance runs?

The Washington Nationals moved to 2-1 while the the Cubs fell to 1-2, and the Nationals full-time result was 6-3 at 2:20 PM EDT.

First inning

The Nationals jumped ahead with 3 runs on 3 hits in the top of the 1st inning as part of an 11-hit day.

Jake Irvin opened his start with 7 strikeouts across 5.0 innings while allowing 2 earned runs.

Second inning

The Nats added 2 hits in the 2nd inning but left runners on base as the game moved scoreless through the 3rd for both clubs.

Washington finished with 7 left on base while Chicago ended with 4 hits and 0 errors.

Fourth inning

The Cubs put up 2 runs on 3 hits in the 4th inning to cut into the early deficit.

Washington committed 2 throwing errors in the field while still recording 27 putouts.

Sixth inning

The Nats pushed across 1 run in the 6th inning despite recording 0 hits in the frame.

Washington’s pitching staff finished with 10 strikeouts and a 0.67 team WHIP in this Nationals vs Cubs match summary.

Eighth inning

The Nats created separation with 2 runs on 2 hits in the 8th inning as part of 5 extra-base hits that included 2 home runs and 1 triple.

The Cubs answered with 1 run on 1 hit in the bottom of the 8th inning while Washington’s bullpen closed out the 9th for a save.

Ninth inning

Keibert Ruiz contributed 1 hit and scored 1 run while seeing 12 pitches, and Luis García Jr. posted a .500 average.

Daylen Lile reached base at a .600 on-base percentage, and Brady House hit .400 in a game that lasted 2:34 with an attendance of 33,559 at Wrigley Field.

Nationals vs Cubs final thoughts centered on Washington’s 0.975 team on-base plus slugging and Chicago’s 3 home runs accounting for all 3 runs, as reflected in Nationals post-game interviews.

The Nats are scheduled to play the the Phillies on 3/30/2026 at 6:40 PM EDT at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the broadcast is on NATS.

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