Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/4/25): Nationals 2, Cubs 0 – Bats Go Quiet in Shutout Loss

The Cubs and Nationals battled in the second game of their series Wednesday night at Nats Park. Both starting pitchers were outstanding, but it was Washington that ended up on top earning a shutout win.

The North Siders loaded the bases on three consecutive singles to begin the game. Nats starter MacKenzie Gore retired the next three hitters to escape the jam with no runs scoring. Matthew Boyd was terrific early, retiring the first 16 batters he faced Wednesday.

Neither offense could generate anything through the first six innings before Washington finally grabbed a lead in the 7th. Amed Rosario connected with a Boyd fastball that was possibly six inches off the outside corner and hit an opposite-field solo home run to give the home team a 1-0 advantage.

Nasim Nuñez added in RBI double off of Boyd in the bottom of the 8th to provide the Nationals with an insurance run. The Cubs got the tying runs on base against closer Kyle Finnegan in the 9th but pinch-hitter Kyle Tucker grounded out to end it with the home team winning 2-0. (Box score)

Key Moment

Failing to score with the bases loaded and nobody out in the opening inning turned out to be very costly for Chicago. They only had two more at bats the rest of the game with runners in scoring position.

Why the Cubs Lost

It was a rare bad day for the hitters who could not figure out Gore.

Stats That Matter

• Boyd deserved a much better fate because he was terrific Wednesday: 7.1 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 6 K, 1 BB.
• It was a good sign Tucker was able to hit and he should be ready to start Thursday.

Bottom Line

Sometimes you just run into another team’s ace, and this is just the third time all season the Cubs have been shut out. Boyd continues to be Chicago’s best starter and, despite the result, this was another excellent performance for the veteran lefty.

On Deck

The rubber match of the series is Thursday at 5:45pm CT. Colin Rea faces off against Cole Irvin in a game broadcast on Marquee with radio coverage on 670 The Score.