Mitchell Layton/Getty
WASHINGTON — It’s a good thing the Cubs scored seven runs in the second inning Friday against the Nationals.
With a four-run lead going to the ninth, the Cubs turned to right-hander Tyson Miller to shut the door. Miller has been effective in late-inning situations, but he didn’t have it on this night, allowing a run and leaving two other runners on base in a third of an inning.
With runners on first and third with one out, manager Craig Counsell turned to veteran left-hander Drew Smyly, who walked a batter to load the bases.