WASHINGTON D.C. – The Chicago Cubs continued their impressive run, securing a decisive 8-3 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Nationals Park. This win marks the second consecutive triumph for the North Siders in the nation’s capital, further solidifying their strong start to the 2025 MLB season. The Cubs vs Nationals clash was a testament to Chicago’s offensive depth and resilience, particularly after falling behind early in the contest.
The narrative of the game was largely written by Chicago’s burgeoning slugger, Michael Busch, who delivered a standout performance that nearly culminated in a historic cycle. Busch was a force at the plate, smashing his ninth home run of the season, driving in three crucial runs, and falling just a double shy of the rare feat. His offensive prowess was on full display, as he singled, tripled, and homered, keeping the Nationals’ pitching staff on their heels throughout the night. This kind of consistent production from Busch has become a significant factor in the Cubs’ offensive surge this season, providing a formidable presence in the heart of their lineup.
The Nationals, eager to bounce back after Tuesday’s similar 8-3 loss, showed early signs of fight. They managed to take the lead in the bottom of the first inning against Cubs starter Cade Horton, courtesy of an RBI single from Luis Garcia Jr. Washington extended their lead to 3-1 in the third, hinting at a potential upset. However, the Cubs’ disciplined approach at the plate and timely hitting quickly negated the Nationals’ advantage.
Chicago’s comeback began in the second inning when Michael Busch tripled and scored the tying run on a Dansby Swanson sacrifice fly. The true turning point arrived in the fifth inning, where the Cubs erupted for a four-run rally that decisively swung the momentum in their favor. After Pete Crow-Armstrong’s double ignited the threat, Michael Busch drew a bases-loaded walk to force in a run, pushing the Cubs ahead. Nico Hoerner then delivered the crucial blow with a two-run single, expanding Chicago’s lead to 7-3. This offensive explosion showcased the Cubs’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, a hallmark of their successful campaign so far.
Beyond the offensive fireworks, the Cubs’ pitching staff delivered a commendable performance. Rookie right-hander Cade Horton, stepping into a crucial rotation spot, showcased his growing maturity on the mound. Horton allowed three runs on six hits over 5.1 innings, navigating through the Nationals’ lineup with composure and effectively limiting damage after the early scoring. The bullpen, a consistent strength for Chicago this season, took over seamlessly, shutting down the Nationals’ bats in the latter innings and preserving the substantial lead. Caleb Thielbar, in particular, demonstrated his effectiveness by inducing an inning-ending double play in the sixth with runners on the corners, a pivotal moment that stifled any potential Nationals comeback.
For the Washington Nationals, the loss highlights ongoing challenges in both their pitching and offensive consistency. Despite early leads in both games of the series, they have struggled to contain the Cubs’ potent lineup and convert their own scoring chances into sustained rallies. Young talents like CJ Abrams and James Wood continue to show flashes of their potential, but the team still appears to be in a rebuilding phase, with their overall record reflecting the growing pains associated with developing a young core. The Nationals will need to find ways to string together quality at-bats and get deeper outings from their starting pitchers if they hope to turn the tide in this series.
This Cubs vs Nationals series has underscored the competitive nature of Major League Baseball in 2025. The Cubs, now 38-22 and leading their division, demonstrate the characteristics of a legitimate contender, with a balanced attack, strong starting pitching, and a reliable bullpen. Their road trip continues with confidence following these back-to-back victories over the Nationals. For the Nationals, every game against a top-tier opponent like the Cubs provides valuable experience for their developing roster, even in defeat. As the season progresses, both teams will undoubtedly continue to evolve, but for now, the Cubs are riding high on the strength of their collective performance, spearheaded by the red-hot bat of Michael Busch.
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