CHICAGO (AP) — MacKenzie Gore struck out nine in seven blistering innings as the Washington Nationals defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-1 on Saturday.
Joey Gallo hit a three-run homer for Washington, which had lost five in a row. José Tena had three of the Nationals’ 12 hits.
Washington was without All-Star shortstop C.J. Abrams, who was demoted to the minors earlier in the day. Abrams is not expected to play for the big team again this season.
“I just want it to be known, it wasn’t performance-related — it’s an internal issue,” manager Dave Martinez said. “I’m not going to give any details or talk about any details because I have to keep these guys and everything under wraps. … I’m going to support CJ. He’s a big part of our Nats family, and he will be. At this point, it’s the right thing for me to do.”
Gore (10-12) earned its second straight win. The 25-year-old left-handed pitcher was working a no-hitter before Patrick Wisdom hit his eighth home run with one out in the seventh inning.
Jose Ferrer got three outs before Kyle Finnegan completed the two-hitter for Washington.
Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks (4-12) allowed four runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings in what could be his final home start at Wrigley Field. Hendricks, who helped the Cubs win the 2016 World Series, is eligible for free agency after this season.
Ildemaro Vargas drove in Juan Yepez with a sacrifice fly in the second inning and Washington broke open the game with four runs in the sixth.
The Nationals got their first three batters on base and Keibert Ruiz chased Hendricks down with a sacrifice fly. Gallo then greeted Keegan Thompson with his ninth home run, a drive to right field that gave his team a 5-0 lead.
Gallo, Vargas, Yepez and Luis García Jr. each had two hits.
NEXT
Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (14-3, 3.03 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for Sunday’s series finale. RHP Jake Irvin (10-12, 4.07 ERA) is the Nationals’ scheduled starter.
