Chicago Cubs Extend NL Central Lead With Seventh Straight Series Win Over Nationals

The Chicago Cubs continued their strong 2025 season with a dominant 7-1 victory over the Washington Nationals, marking their seventh consecutive series win and improving their record to 39-23, which places them 4.5 games ahead in the National League Central. Key contributors included Pete Crow-Armstrong, who hit a two-run home run and leads the team with 16 home runs and 53 RBIs, and Ian Happ, who had a three-hit, four-RBI game highlighted by a crucial sixth-inning home run and a game-changing defensive outfield assist that helped keep the Nationals scoreless in a pivotal inning. Left-hander Drew Pomeranz, used as an opener, pitched a scoreless first inning, while right-hander Colin Rea delivered 5 1/3 shutout innings without any strikeouts, showcasing effective pitching strategy. The Cubs' offense was prolific, with all nine batters recording at least one hit and displays of aggressive baserunning, including Crow-Armstrong's 20th stolen base, underscoring their balanced attack. Defensively, Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner executed a key double play that prevented the Nationals from narrowing the score, preserving the Cubs' substantial lead. This combination of strong pitching, timely hitting, and defensive prowess has propelled the Cubs to one of the best records in Major League Baseball this season.