Max Scherzer got beat up in a five-inning stint as the Chicago Cubs topped the Washington Nationals, 8-6, on Friday.
Scherzer (3-2, 4.60 ERA) gave up seven runs on seven hits in five innings of work, striking out seven and walking three.
The Cubs (22-6) touched up Scherzer for four home runs, two by Ben Zobrist, a solo shot in the third and a three-run shot in the fifth.
John Lackey (4-1, 4.02 ERA) gave up two runs on six hits in seven innings, striking out 11 and walking one.
The Nats (19-10) have lost two straight in Chicago after going 5-1 to start their Midwest road trip.