Michael Morse's Home Run Traveled A Long Way

Nationals Vs. Cubs Final: Chien-Ming Wang Earns First Win As National, 3-1 Against Cubs

The third time was a charm for Washington Nationals starter Chien-Ming Wang. He entered Tuesday night's game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA. He left it, the winner of his first game as a member of the Nationals 3-1.

Using a strong defense behind him, Wang six innings giving up only one hit, no runs, issued two walks and racked up one strikeout. Wang held the Cubs hitless through five. It was the type of performance the Nationals organization was hoping to get from Wang after he took nearly two years to recover from an injury. His first two starts of 2011 showed signs of promise, but ultimately he faltered. Not Tuesday night. Tuesday belonged all to Wang and he earned his first Major League win in nearly two years and his first in Nationals uniform.

The offense took a little while to gear up, but it finally broke Matt Garza in the sixth. First baseman Michael Morse demolished a Garza pitch for a solo home run and his 20th of the season. Later in the inning, with a man on, Jonny Gomes delivered a two-run no doubter of his own. It was the 13th of the season for him and the second as a Nationals outfielder. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman finished the night 1-for-4, but has now hit safely in 17 straight games.

The Cubs were able to score one in the eighth off reliever Tyler Clippard, but closer Drew Storen entered in the ninth and closed the door on the Cubs for his 30th save of the year.

The National are 56-59 and fourth place in the NL East.

Nationals Vs. Cubs Score: Chien-Ming Wang Dealing In 0-0 Tie

Nationals starter Chien-Ming Wang has been keeping the Chicago Cubs at bay for five innings walking two, striking out one and issuing no hits except for hitting Marlon Byrd with a pitch. It has been a substantial improvement over his previous starts. Now if only the offense would show up in the 0-0 tie.

On the flip side the Cubs' Matt Garza has only given up three hits himself. Rick Ankiel, Ryan Zimmerman and Jonny Gomes are the three Nationals players that collected hits. Zimmerman is now on a 17-game hitting streak.

It has been an impressive third start for the 6' 3" Taiwanese pitcher. A lot of his Tuesday night success comes from the Nationals defense playing behind him as he has been relying on a majority of ground outs and fly outs. The Nationals are finally getting a glimpse at the pitcher they hoped Wang would become in their rotation.

Still a lot of game left and the Nationals need to score, but the sight of a dominant Wang is good to see.

Nationals Vs. Cubs: Chien-Ming Wang Looks To Throw Smoke Against Cubs

Wang will have plenty of help behind him as he tries for his first win of the season. Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Morse, Jayson Werth and Rick Ankiel have all been raking and should make Chicago's Matt Garza job a whole lot harder.