Cubs Drop Series, Collapse to Nationals in 9th

The Chicago Cubs drop the series as their 9th-inning collapse propels the Washington Nationals' late heroism in a stunning comeback.

Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

September 8, 2025

Nationals 6, Cubs 3

The Chicago Cubs lose two out of three games to drop the series against the Washington Nationals after the Nationals put up five runs in the 9th inning in Game 3.

Nationals – Cubs Game Summary

The Cubs jumped out to a 3-1 lead entering the top of the ninth inning. The Cubs offense was fueled by two solo homers from Carson Kelly. In the ninth, Cubs Closer Daniel Palencia (now 1-6) allowed a leadoff homer to Robert Hassell III, an infield hit to CJ Abrams, and a walk to James Wood before a pinch-hitting Josh Bell delivered a monstrous three-run homer, giving the Nationals the 5-3 lead. They would extend their lead via a Daylen Lile triple and a Brady House sacrifice fly, making it a 6-3 ball game.

What Went Right for the Cubs

Carson Kelly Offensive Output

Carson Kelly launched two homers, carrying the Cubs offense. The first came with an exit velocity of 106.4 mph, and the second, a towering 399-foot long ball. This capped off a productive game from the cleanup spot.

Colin Rea’s Relief Work

Colin Rea came in for Drew Pomeranz after he pitched one inning. Rea delivered 5 1/3 innings, allowed one run, and notched six strikeouts in an impressive relief outing.

What Went Wrong for the Cubs

Bullpen Collapse

Closer Daniel Palencia couldn’t finish the job. He had five earned runs and gave up two home runs to propel the Nationals to complete the late-inning comeback.

Missed Offensive Opportunities

Outside of Carson Kelly’s two solo homers, the Cubs offense was quiet. The team went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base.

Managerial Dilemma

Craig Counsell continues to stick with Palencia as closer, despite numerous shaky outings. This blown save and injury now certainly raise questions for the Cubs’ late-inning strategy moving forward.

What Went Right for the Nationals

Clutch Hitting in the 9th

Propelled by clutch offensive performances from Robert Hassell III, CJ Abrams, and Josh Bell, the Nationals pulled off the huge comeback, making their record 58-84. Bell had the biggest swing of the game, launching a three-run homer to center field to give the Nationals the lead.

Bullpen Kept the Game Close

After Carson Kelly’s second homer, relievers Clayton Beeter and Jose A. Ferrer held the Cubs scoreless the rest of the way, paving the road for the offense to come alive in the ninth. Beeter notched three strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings of work.

What Went Wrong for the Nationals

Nonexistent Offense for Eight Innings

Before the ninth-inning comeback, Washington only managed one run and just a few hits. They struggled to get going against Colin Rea’s strong 5 1/3 innings of relief. Rea struck out six and allowed only three hits.

Starting Pitching Was Shaky

Nationals starter Andrew Alvarez wasn’t sharp, giving up two early runs and exiting before the 5th inning. The Nationals bullpen had to step up as a result of Alvarez’s rough start.

Quick Hits

The Nationals used a great balance of their youngsters and veterans to steal a game they were just six outs away from losing. The Cubs, however, retain their hold on the top NL Wild Card spot, as they chase the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot in the NL Central.

Looking Ahead

The Cubs will travel to Georgia to take on the Atlanta Braves on September 8 at 7:15 EDT. The Cubs will toss Shota Imanaga, and the Braves will throw Bryce Elder. The Nationals will travel to Florida to take on the Miami Marlins in a divisional matchup on September 8 at 6:40 EDT. The Nationals will bring out Cade Cavalli, and the Marlins will opt for Janson Junk for the start.