Dozier homer, big doubles support Strasburg (Nats win 5-2)

The Nationals collected a couple of hits early on against Cubs left-hander Jon Lester. Adam Eaton and Anthony Rendon had back-to-back singles in the first inning. But Lester settled in to get out of the inning unscathed, getting the dangerous Juan Soto to pop up behind the plate.

But in the second inning, Brian Dozier led off with a solo shot over the left-center field wall. Dozier connected on Lester's 2-2 offering, for No. 6 on the season.

Right-hander Stephen Strasburg struck out the side in the third.

Trea Turner led off the third with a single. Eaton followed with a bunt single. Turner went to third base on a throwing error by Cubs third baseman David Bote. During Rendon's next at-bat, Lester threw to first as Eaton broke for second and was eventually cut down 2-4-3-6. Rendon walked. Howie Kendrick delivered an RBI double. Soto did one better, with a two-run double down the right field line.

After three innings, the Nats lead the Cubs 4-0.

Update: The Cubs scored a run in the fifth. Willson Contreras singled, Jayson Heyward reached on a fielder's choice and Addison Russell singled. Heyward scored on a passed ball. With David Bote batting, Gomes couldnt handle another Strasburg pitch and was charged with a second passed ball, which allowed Heyward to come home. But Rendon was able to retrieve the ball in time to nab Russell at the plate to prevent a bigger rally.

In the bottom of the fifth, Rendon doubled and Soto brought him home with a RBI single to right field. The Nats regained a four-run advantage. Lester was replaced by Carl Edwards, Jr.

After five innings, the Nats lead the Cubs 5-1.

Update II: Bote led off the sixth with a solo homer, his fourth of the season.

Mid-sixth, the Nats lead the Cubs 5-2.

Update III: Strasburg struck out two in the seventh inning. He has thrown 93 pitches through eight innings. The Cubs have only four hits.

Mid-eighth, the Nats lead the Cubs 5-2.

Update IV: Strasburg matched his season high of eight innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits with no walks, seven strikeouts and one homer. He fired 93 pitches, 69 for strikes. He also finished eight innings April at Miami 21 in a 5-0 two-hitter.

Update V: Sean Doolittle closed out the ninth, going three up and three down for his eighth save. Cubs manager Joe Maddon stopped the game twice in the ninth to argue about something related to Doolittle's delivery. The Cubs played the game under protest.

Final score: the Nats 5, the Cubs 2.