They can't all be winners, but this one probably should have been.  Ted Lilly did everything possible to put the Cubs in a good position to grab the game - he went 6 strong innings, striking out 7, walking 2, allowing only 4 hits, but unfortunately 3 of those hits came in the 2nd inning when the Nationals scored the only 2 runs of the game.

Although Lilly exits April with a 1-4 record and a 6.46 ERA, his past two starts have been much, much stronger efforts and it looks as though he is back on track.  

The Cubs offense had its fair share of opportunities.  While they also only managed 4 hits for the game, they also drew 5 walks - 2 from the leadoff and #2 hitter, and 2 from #3 hitter Derrek Lee.  Hitters had something like 18 opportunities to knock in some runs, but they failed to get the timely hitting that has defined this franchise through its first month of play in the 2008 season.

Speaking of the Cubs offense, here's one happy statistic that I think you might enjoy: through 24 games played in 2008, Kosuke Fukudome has gotten on base through a hit or a walk in all but 3 games - and in 1 of those 3, he saw no plate appearances.  Our Lil Fooker is really earning his salary so far.

Series Recap: Despite losing 2 of 3 from the lowly Nationals, the Cubs maintain the second best record in all of baseball at 16-9.  Despite being shut down by Washington yesterday, they have still outscored every team in baseball except for the Diamondbacks.  The Cubs will now have a day to rest, and they will be taking on the third-place Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday in Chicago.

Current Record: 16-9
Standing in the central: 1st place, .5 games ahead of the Cardinals
Best possible record: 153-9
On pace for: 104-58
Record necessary for 120 wins: 104-33