Cubs Drop Series to Nationals as Imanaga’s Home-Run Issue Reappears

Overview

• The Nationals won 6-3 at Wrigley Field on Sunday, with Joey Wiemer’s first-inning three-run homer putting Washington in control as Chicago fell to 1-2.
• Shōta Imanaga allowed four earned runs on six hits in 5.0 innings and struck out seven, and a leadoff walk in the sixth set up the Nationals’ fourth run.
• Alex Bregman hit his first two home runs as a Cub, yet Chicago managed only four hits overall and never erased the early deficit.
• Counsell said, “Shota is going to give up home runs,” and stressed that preventing three-run shots is key because one swing can swing the game.
• Outfielder Seiya Suzuki, out with a sprained right knee, is eligible to return this week, though Counsell said activation is more likely on the road trip that starts Friday in Cleveland.