Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/19/21): Nationals 4, Cubs 3 – Cubs Comeback Falls Just Short

Jake Arrieta (4-4, 4.10 ERA) took the mound against Max Scherzer (3-2, 2.10 ERA) in game three of the four-game series, looking to build off his strong outing versus Detroit on May 14.

The Cubs didn’t take long to get to Scherzer when Nico Hoerner blooped an RBI single to right-center in the 2nd. The Nationals answered right back in the 3rd with a base knock up the middle by Trea Turner who scored later in the inning on a wild pitch to put the visitors up 2-1.

Victor Robles singled to right field in the 4th, driving in Washington’s third run of the night. One inning later, Juan Soto crushed a home run off the scoreboard to give the Nationals a 4-1 lead.

In the Cubs’ half of the 5th, Ian Happ brought the home team to within two when he drove in a run with a hit into center with the bases loaded. In the bottom of the 9th, Javier Baez connected on a solo shot to left field but that was as close as the Cubs would get, losing by a final of 4-3. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

A poor start from Arrieta and a slow night for the Cubs’ offense resulted in tonight’s loss.

Key Moment

In the 5th, with the Nationals up 4-2, Scherzer found himself in a jam with the bases loaded and one out. Instead of cutting into Washington’s lead, Willson Contreras went down swinging and David Bote sent a lazy fly ball to center to end the inning.

Stats That Matter

• Arrieta has been better: 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 2 K, 2 BB
• Tommy Nance continues to impress. He pitched 1.1 spotless innings and struck out three of the four batters he faced.
• The bullpen went four innings collectively, allowing no runs, two hits, one walk with five strikeouts.
• Baez came off the bench to go 1-for-2 with an RBI.

Bottom Line

Unlike the first two games, tonight the Cubs were unable to generate timely hits. Scherzer was dominant, striking out eight batters in five innings.

On Deck

Trevor Williams (2-2, 6.27 ERA) squares off against Joe Ross (2-3, 5.80 ERA) in the series finale as the Cubs try to take three-of-four. First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 pm CT on Marquee, MLB Network, 670 The Score, and WRTO for Spanish speakers.Those of you who’ve cut the cord can watch the game on fuboTV – you can check out a free trial of fuboTV here.