Mitchell Layton/Getty
WASHINGTON — It’s a good thing the Cubs scored seven runs in the second inning.
Entering the ninth, the Cubs turned to reliever Tyson Miller to shut the door. Miller has been effective for the Cubs in late-inning situations, but he didn’t have it Friday, allowing two doubles, a single and a run while inducing one out.
With runners on first and third with one out, manager Craig Counsell turned to reliable veteran Drew Smyly, who promptly loaded the bases, struck out catcher Keibert Ruiz and then allowed an RBI single that scored two runs that were charged to Miller.