Cubs edge Nationals 7-6 to avoid postseason exit

On Thursday night, the Chicago Cubs faced the Washington Nationals in a crucial game to avoid postseason elimination. The Cubs initially fell behind but rallied to secure a 7-6 victory. Seiya Suzuki contributed significantly with a two-run homer, while Cody Bellinger drove in three runs, including the tying run in the seventh inning. The Cubs' offense was bolstered by Dansby Swanson, who had three hits and scored four times. The Nationals had a strong performance from Joey Gallo, who hit a three-run home run, briefly giving Washington a 6-5 lead in the sixth inning. However, the Cubs responded with two runs in the seventh, taking the lead for good. The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging runs early on, but the Cubs ultimately capitalized on their opportunities. Cubs' starter Javier Assad pitched five innings, allowing three runs, while the Nationals' Patrick Corbin struggled, giving up five runs in just over four innings. The Cubs' bullpen played a crucial role, with Ethan Roberts earning his first career win and Porter Hodge securing his sixth save. Despite the win, the Cubs remain seven games out of the final NL wild card spot with only nine games left in the season. The victory was essential for the Cubs to keep their postseason hopes alive, while the Nationals continued to struggle, losing their fourth consecutive game.