Cubs top Washington Nationals in series opener, 5-2

Ben Zobrist hit a homer and drove in four runs, and Washington wasted a solid effort from Joe Ross in a 5-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs Thursday night.

The Nats (19-9) got six and two-thirds innings out of Ross (3-1, 1.23 ERA), who struck out a season-high nine while allowing two runs on five hits, walking two.

But Washington only got three hits on the night, and got on the scoreboard on a two-out, two-strike, two-run homer by Jayson Werth.

Kyle Hendricks (2-2, 3.10 ERA) earned the win for the Cubs (21-6), allowing two hits in six scoreless innings, striking out four and walking two.

Bryce Harper reached base four times, with three walks and a base hit in four plate appearances.