The Washington Nationals have opened another crucial series with a loss, this time at the hands of the Chicago Cubs after dropping the opening game of the three game series, 8-6, on Tuesday night. Jake Irvin moved to 2-6 this season following the loss after giving up five earned runs, including one home run, and four hits on 88 pitches in just 3.1 innings. Miles Mikolas, initially slated to start, would be one of the four pitchers to come out of the bullpen in relief to help close the game. Chicago answered right backcourt with their own solo home run in the top of the third inning, then took complete control in the fourth inning. Manager Blake Butera would then turn to Tom Cosgrove to get the final two outs, and after a strikeout, a double into left would then give the Cubs a two run lead.