Nationals lose 6-3 to Cubs on June 5, 2025. James Wood stays hot, CJ Abrams homers, but Nats' rally falls short. Jake Irvin (5-2) takes loss. Read more!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a tough pill to swallow on Thursday as the Washington Nationals dropped the series finale to the Chicago Cubs, 6-3, at a packed Nationals Park. Despite a late rally attempt that saw the bases loaded in the ninth, the Nats couldn't complete the comeback. However, the day wasn't without its silver linings, most notably rookie phenom James Wood continuing his torrid pace at the plate and some encouraging news from the farm.
We're playing good baseball and competing every night. The young guys are stepping up. - Manager Dave Martinez
The Nats found themselves playing catch-up after Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki launched a two-run homer in the third inning off starter Jake Irvin. Irvin (5-2) battled through 5.2 innings, allowing four runs while striking out five and walking two. The offense struggled to string hits together early but showed life late. James Wood, a consistent bright spot, went 2-for-4, driving in a run with a sixth-inning double. CJ Abrams provided a spark with a solo home run in the eighth, his tenth of the season, cutting the deficit. The ninth inning saw the Nationals load the bases with two outs, putting the tying run on first, but Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay managed to strike out Keibert Ruiz to seal the victory for Chicago. The loss moves the Nats to 29-31 on the season.
Rookie sensation James Wood just keeps hitting. With his 2-for-4 day, including that crucial RBI double, Wood extended his hitting streak to an impressive eight games. He's not just getting hits; he's making them count, leading the team with a .288 batting average, 16 home runs, and 45 RBIs. His consistent production has been a major driving force for the offense and a thrill for fans to watch. His presence in the lineup is already that of a seasoned veteran.
Prior to the game, the Nationals made a move to bolster their infield depth, recalling Trey Lipscomb from Triple-A Rochester. Luis García Jr. was optioned to make room. Lipscomb, who has been tearing it up in Rochester with a .312 average and 7 homers, got his first taste of action as a pinch hitter in the seventh, grounding out. This move signals the front office's willingness to reward strong minor league performance. Further down the farm, Director Eddie Longosz praised top pitching prospects Travis Sykora, Jarlin Susana, and Alex Clemmey. Sykora's meticulous preparation is setting a standard, while Clemmey, acquired from Cleveland, is already showing improved command. The future on the mound looks promising.
Despite the loss, Manager Dave Martinez remains optimistic about the team's trajectory. 'We're playing good baseball and competing every night. The young guys are stepping up,' he stated postgame, pointing to the team's 11-6 record since May 14. This positive outlook is crucial as the team navigates the ups and downs of a long season. On the fan front, the Nationals also announced exciting upcoming promotions for the current homestand. Get ready for 'Kids Run the Bases' on Sunday and a much-anticipated Trea Turner bobblehead giveaway on Saturday. Fans are advised to arrive early for games due to expected large crowds.
While the series finale didn't go our way, the Nats continue to show fight and promise. With young stars like James Wood leading the charge and a pipeline of talent developing, there's plenty to be excited about as we head into the weekend series. Let's regroup and get back in the win column!
