Bryce Harper homers, but Nats fall to Cubs, 4-2

Bryce Harper hit his MLB-leading 19th homer, but the Nationals couldn’t get much else going in a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

Harper had two of Washington’s five hits off Cubs starter Jason Hammel (5-2), who went eight innings, striking out seven and walking two.

Pedro Strop struck out two in a scoreless ninth to record his second save.

Joe Ross, in his Major League debut, took the loss, giving up three runs on six hits in five innings, striking out four and not issuing a walk.