Cubs pound 10 hits off Zimmermann, Nats lose 6-3

The Cubs combined a double from left fielder Chris Coghlan and a single from shortstop Starlin Castro to score the game's first run in the second inning.

The Nationals answered in the bottom of the frame. After Wilson Ramos reached on an error by Castro, Ian Desmond launched his fifth homer of the year to deep right-center field.

Nats starter Jordan Zimmermann has allowed one run on three hits with a walk and two strikeouts through the first two innings.

Update: The Cubs tied it up in the fourth on an RBI single to right field from second baseman Jonathan Herrera. Bryce Harper's throw to the plate was just a fraction of a second too late as Cubs right fielder Chris Denorfia slid in safely by the swipe tag from Ramos.

The Cubs have placed a runner on base in every inning against Zimmermann, who has already thrown 73 pitches.

Update II: After a single from first baseman Anthony Rizzo and a double from third baseman Kris Bryant, Zimmermann walked catcher Miguel Montero to load the bases. Coghlan followed with single that was scorched off the glove of Tyler Moore and into right field. Rizzo and Bryant scored on the play to give the Cubs a two run advantage.

Zimmermann only made it five innings today, allowing four runs on 10 hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He threw 92 pitches.

Update III: The Nats strung together three straight singles from Clint Robinson, Denard Span and Yunel Escobar to cut the Cubs lead in half in the fifth. Escobar's one-out base knock to right plated Robinson.

Right-hander Blake Treinen will start the sixth for the Nats.

Update IV: Treinen's sixth inning was a bit of a nightmare. The Cubs added two more runs on two hits and three walks. Treinen's ERA has ballooned to 4.60.

Update V: The Cubs beat the Nats 6-3.