Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/12/26): Cubs 12, Nationals 6 – Three Bregman Bombs Lead to Victory

The Cubs and Nationals met in the second game of their series on a muggy Wednesday night in DC. The road team exploded offensively with four home runs, three of which came off the bat of Alex Bregman, as they rolled to victory.

The Nats struck first against David Peterson on an RBI infield single by Daylen Lile in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Chicago finally got to first-time starter Jackson Kent in the 5th with a game-tying double from Pete Crow-Armstrong, followed by a three-run homer from Bregman that made it 4-1.

Washington scored three of their own against Peterson to tie it in the bottom of the frame with a double by Harry Ford and a two-run single by Lile. The North Siders then blew the game open, putting up five runs against the bullpen in the 6th. Dansby Swanson had an RBI double, Seiya Suzuki singled home a pair, and Bregman finished it off with a two-run dinger.

Javier Assad took over for Peterson and covered the final four frames, giving up a pair of solo home runs. The Cubs padded their lead even further in the top of the 8th with a solo shot by Swanson and a third blast by Bregman, another two-run job. By the end of the night, the road squad walked away with a 12-6 win. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs responded immediately with five runs in the top of the 6th to bury Washington after they came back to tie the game in the 5th.

Why the Cubs Won

After a slow start, the lineup exploded to overwhelm a shaky opposing pitching staff.

Stats That Matter

• Peterson’s position in the rotation is not guaranteed with Edward Cabrera coming back: 5 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 9 H, 6 K, and 3 BB.
• Pretty decent evening for Bregman with three homers and seven RBI, both career highs.
• Swanson had a walk and three RBIs on his two big swings.
• Pedro Ramírez reached three times and stole two bases.

Bottom Line

Bregman is entirely capable of carrying his team offensively, and it might be on the verge of happening. This is now nine consecutive series victories away from Wrigley Field, and the Cubs are now just three games behind Milwaukee in the division. The remaining seven games between the two rivals should determine who wins the NL Central, with the overall top seed in the league up for grabs as well.

On Deck

The North Siders attempt to complete a sweep Thursday afternoon at 3:05pm CT. Kevin Gausman takes the mound against Cade Cavalli in a matchup airing on Marquee with a radio feed on The Score.