Nats Fail to Conquer Cubs

Washington -- The Washington Nationals failed to take the lead over the Chicago Cubs, losing 3-1 at Nationals Park on Friday night.

In a 40-pitch first inning from the Cubs' Carlos Zambrano, five Nationals reached base, but only one scored, MLB.com reported. In the second inning, it was still no go for Washington, which was unable to convert with two on and no outs.

"[Zambrano] is one of the best in the game, and when you have a guy like that up against the ropes early, you have to find a way to put a significant amount of runs on the board," cleanup hitter Adam Dunn said. "We did a great job. We had opportunities. We just couldn't capitalize."

Washington fell to 0-2 under interim manager Jim Riggleman, who took over when Manny Acta was fired Monday. Nyjer Morgan had three hits for the Nationals, who have lost eight of nine to lower their major league-worst record to 26-63.

Aaron Heilman, Sean Marshall, Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg combined to pitch four innings of two-hit ball after Zambrano departed, with Gregg earning his 17th save in 20 opportunities. Aramis Ramirez homered for the Cubs.

Zambrano labored through the first inning and the right-hander's control problems put him in a 1-0 hole. The Nationals loaded the bases on a pair of walks and an error before Willie Harris walked with two out to force in a run.

Second baseman Mike Fontenot's sprawling, backhanded grab of Josh Bard's grounder up the middle, followed by a no-look flip to shortstop Ryan Theriot for an inning-ending forceout, prevented further damage.

Zambrano quickly atoned for his wildness, coming up with a big hit in the second. Milton Bradley drew a leadoff walk and Fontenot doubled with one out to put runners on second and third. After Koyie Hill grounded out, Zambrano doubled down the right-field line to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead.

Ramirez hit a two-out drive off Craig Stammen into the seats in left in the third. It was his fifth homer.

Stammen (2-5), pushed up a day after left-hander Scott Olsen was scratched from Friday's start with back muscle tightness, allowed three runs and six hits in six innings.

NOTES: Washington SS Cristian Guzman (bunions) was scratched and replaced by Alberto Gonzalez. ... Chicago played without OF Alfonso Soriano, who was nursing a swollen pinkie finger on his right hand. Soriano was injured diving back to first when he was tagged out after making a wide turn on a single Thursday night. ... Chicago manager Lou Piniella said LHP Ted Lilly's scheduled start on Saturday is in jeopardy because of a sore left knee. If Lilly is unable to go, RHP Randy Wells would be moved up instead of starting Sunday. ... Cubs LF Micah Hoffpauir made a nice grab to end the third, pushing past a frozen-in-place ball girl, diving into the stands and outmuscling a fan for Harris' foul pop.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC4 Washington