Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/3/23): Nationals 2, Cubs 1 – Cubs Fall Back to .500 in Listless Loss

After an uninspired effort on Tuesday night, the Cubs took on the Nationals in the third game of their four-game series Wednesday night. Chicago’s hitters no-showed again and they went down to another close defeat.

The Cubs struck first in the opening inning against Jake Irvin, who was making his MLB debut. Nico Hoerner got hit by a pitch, stole second, and came in to score on a single by Seiya Suzuki. Washington tied the score in the 2nd inning when Dominic Smith hit into a double play against Marcus Stroman.

Neither offense could generate anything in the middle innings and the score remained deadlocked until the 7th inning. Adbert Alzolay surrendered a triple to Lane Thomas, who would come in to score the go-ahead run on a single from CJ Abrams.

Chicago got the first two on base in the 9th but the potential rally fizzled on a double play by Patrick Wisdom and the Nationals won 2-1. (Box score)

Key Moment

Eric Hosmer attempted to bunt with two on and nobody out in the top of the 9th inning, but it was way too firm and Washington nearly turned a 5-4-3 double play. Since the runner at second base was retired, a twin killing remained in order and Wisdom hit into one on the next pitch ending the game.

Why the Cubs Lost

They had only six singles and hit into four double plays. It’s very hard to win when you only score one run.

Stats That Matter

• Stroman absolutely deserved a better fate on Wednesday: 6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 5 K, and 3 BB.
• Suzuki hit the ball hard all night and had two hits.
• Ian Happ picked up a couple of singles and walked twice as well.

Bottom Line

This was another close contest that the Cubs lost on the margins. At this point, it’s beating a dead horse to say that bringing up young talented players from the minors can make a difference in these games. They may struggle at times, but the ceiling is so much higher than players like Hosmer.

On Deck

Chicago tries to avoid a disastrous series loss Thursday at 12:05pm CT. Patrick Corbin faces a yet-to-be-named Cubs starter, likely Javier Assad, with a broadcast available on Marquee and 670 The Score.