Gio Gonzalez gave the Nats six solid innings, but the Washington offense couldn’t break through on Jake Arrieta and five – count ‘em, five – Cubs relievers in a 2-1 loss to Chicago on Thursday at Nationals Park.
Gonzalez (4-3) gave up two runs on four hits in six innings, striking out four and walking two, but Arrieta (5-4) was just a little better, giving up a run on six hits in his six innings of work, striking out eight without issuing a walk.
Hector Rondon notched his 10th save, but the Nats threatened in the ninth, getting a one-out single from Michael Taylor and a walk to pinch-hitter Clint Robinson. Denard Span flew out to center for out #2, and with Anthony Rendon batting with two outs, Rondon picked off Taylor at second with Rendon at a 3-1 count to end it.
Washington left nine runners on base and was 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
The loss is the sixth in seven games for the Nationals (29-25).