Since starting an 18-game stretch in which they don’t play a team with a record above .500, the Cubs are 10-3.
WASHINGTON — It’s a good thing the Cubs scored seven runs in the second inning Friday against the Nationals.
With a four-run lead going to the ninth, the Cubs turned to right-hander Tyson Miller to shut the door. Miller has been effective in late-inning situations, but he didn’t have it on this night, allowing a run and leaving two other runners on base in a third of an inning.
With runners on first and third with one out, manager Craig Counsell turned to veteran left-hander Drew Smyly, who walked a batter to load the bases. He then struck out Keibert Ruiz for the second out before allowing a two-run single to Jacob Young. Just like that, the Cubs were clinging to a one-run lead.
With a somewhat-depleted bullpen because of starter Kyle Hendricks’ short start Wednesday against the Pirates, Counsell then turned to right-hander Keegan Thompson, who struck out Dylan Crews to preserve the Cubs’ 7-6 victory.
‘‘Keegan’s been so good against right-handed hitters this year; the strikeouts stand out,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘He’s been awesome against them. He threw a curveball tonight — and it was a nasty curveball — so credit to Keegan for coming in in a tough spot and making some great pitches.’’
Earlier in the season, if Cubs starter Shota Imanaga had allowed three runs, it might have resulted in a listless loss.
As of late, however, the Cubs’ bats have been on fire, powering them to victories. They are making good swing decisions, showing good plate discipline and not striking out much. They’re getting production from the entire lineup.
The second inning started with third baseman Isaac Paredes singling on a line drive to left field. That was followed by a single by Nico Hoerner, an RBI single by Dansby Swanson and a two-run double by Pete Crow-Armstrong. After a groundout by catcher Miguel Amaya moved Crow-Armstrong to third, Ian Happ knocked him in with a fielder’s-choice grounder. A double by Michael Busch scored Happ before Cody Bellinger capped the inning with a two-run home run.
The outburst enabled the Cubs (69-66), who have scored 80 runs in their last eight games, to improve to 6-1 with two games left on their nine-game trip. Whether that kind of production is sustainable is to be determined, but it’s doing the job right now.
It’s a far cry from the offense the Cubs showed during the first half of the season. Before the All-Star break, the Cubs were 14th in weighted runs created plus (96) and slashed .235/.313/.382. They lack a superstar hitter who can end dry spells single-handedly, so they have to approach offense as a team.
‘‘We strung together a bunch of hits and got a big home run from [Bellinger],’’ Counsell said. ‘‘We jumped on [Nationals starter Jake Irvin] when he lost command a little bit, and [he] gave us some balls to hit.’’
Of the teams battling for a National League wild-card spot, the Cubs have the easiest remaining schedule. Since starting an 18-game stretch in which they don’t play a team with a record above .500, they are 10-3.
The victory was far from flawless, but the Cubs aren’t in a position to nitpick. They just need to continue their momentum.
‘‘It’s been really fun,’’ Bellinger said. ‘‘Collectively, as a whole, it’s been loud, a lot of barrels. So just trying to be part of that.’’
