Swanson homers, Smyly sharp as Cubs beat Nationals 5-1

Dansby Swanson hit a two-run homer and Drew Smyly delivered seven solid innings as the Chicago Cubs bounced back from a rough series at Miami to beat the Washington Nationals 5-1. 

Swanson went 3-for-5, including a double and his second homer of the season. His blast to left-center in the fifth inning made it 4-1 — a welcome advantage for the Cubs, who snapped a three-game skid. All those losses to the Marlins were by one run. 

Smyly allowed a homer by Lane Thomas in the second inning but cruised from there, throwing just 84 pitches.


PHOTO - Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Drew Smyly throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Washington, Monday, May 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)