Call’s walk-off homer provides Nationals a win over Cubs

Alex Call hit a game-ending homer main off the ninth inning, and the Washington Nationals recovered after blowing a 3-0 result in beat Chicago 4-3 on Thursday and take three of 4 from the skidding Cubs.

Call lofted the one pitch from Brad Boxberger (1-1) simply contained in the left-field foul pole and was greeted on the plate by exuberant teammates, who dumped a bucket of blue Gatorade on his head.

Washington led 3-0 after seven near-flawless innings by starter Patrick Corbin. The veteran left-hander had given up just one hit — a popup by Cody Bellinger that shortstop CJ Abrams misplaced within the solar — earlier than permitting back-to-back singles to start out the eighth. Manager Dave Martinez pulled him for Hunter Harvey, who rapidly allowed the Cubs to tie it.

Pitching for the third straight day, Harvey gave up Trey Mancini’s double off the wall in proper subject — the Cubs’ first extra-base hit since Tuesday night time — for Chicago’s first run. Miguel Amaya added a sacrifice fly and Nico Hoerner tied the sport with a two-out RBI single.

Kyle Finnegan (1-1) gave up a stroll and a double to start out the ninth however retired the following three batters.

The Cubs went 1-6 on their East Coast journey and fell beneath .500 (15-16) for the primary time since April 4.

Lane Thomas hit a three-run homer within the second inning off Jameson Taillon, who lasted solely three innings in his return from a left groin pressure. Javier Assad got here on and confronted the minimal in 5 innings of aid, permitting two hits.

Corbin, who led the majors in losses and earned runs allowed in 2022 and 2021, was excellent for Washington, persistently throwing his fastball, slider and changeup for strikes to induce weak contact from the Cubs’ highly effective lineup. He struck out six, walked none and was charged with two runs in seven-plus innings.

Corbin’s ERA dropped from 5.88 to five.17. He has not taken the mound with an ERA underneath 5 since his second begin of 2022.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Cubs: With Taillon activated from the IL, RHP Jeremiah Estrada was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. … RHP Kyle Hendricks (proper shoulder pressure) is ready to throw a bullpen in Chicago to work on mechanics following his rehab begin for Iowa on Wednesday.

Nationals: RHP Jake Irvin, recalled from Triple-A Rochester to make his main league debut Wednesday, will stay on the roster and will get one other begin, supervisor Dave Martinez mentioned. … LHP Anthony Banda cleared waivers and was assigned to Rochester.

UP NEXT

Cubs: Host Miami on Friday, with NL ERA chief Justin Steele (4-0, 1.49) opposing the Marlins’ Edward Cabrera (2-2, 4.67).