Morning Box Score: Cubs Swat Nats

By Matt Motyka in News on Jul 17, 2009 3:00PM

The Cubs started the second half of the season on a high note with a 6-2 win over the Washington Nationals Thursday evening. Rich Harden was dominant on the mound, permitting only one unearned run while holding the Nats to three hits over six innings. At the dish, Derrek Lee had a big night, going 3-for-4 with two extra-base hits, including a solo home run in the sixth. Ryan Theriot added a pair of RBI for the Cubs, driving home Chicago's first run of the contest and then capping off the three-run ninth with a sacrifice fly. The bullpen also played a key role in the victory, as Angel Guzman and Carlos Marmol kept the Nat's bats quiet until the Cubs' offense poured it on in the ninth. From a personnel perspective, the front office addressed the lack of lefty relievers by signing former Blue Jay closer B.J. Ryan to a Minor League deal, with the hope he will contribute later in the season. The Cubs and Nationals play game two tonight at 6:05.