The Washington Nationals did not let Chad Cordero's blown save affect them. Brian Schneider hit a solo homer in the 12th inning, and the Nationals overcame Cordero's first blown save in more than two months to complete a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs with a 5-4 victory Sunday.
The Nationals have won six straight to reach 50 wins faster than any season in franchise history. It was the first three-game sweep at Wrigley Field for the club since the Montreal Expos did it June 3-5, 1994.
At the halfway point of the season, the Nationals(50-31) are in first place with a six game lead over the Atlanta Braves. Cordero's blown save was one of two by in the late innings by Washington pitchers, who also could not hold a two-run lead in the 11th. ``Nobody gets down. The only cry was 'Let's pick Chief up,''' said Nationals manager Frank Robinson, referring to Cordero.
Brad Wilkerson hit a two-run double in the 11th inning, and after the Cubs tied it again, Schneider hit his sixth homer with two outs in the 12th and pitcher ``You've got to give credit to our team,'' Schneider said. ``Chad gave up the save but he's picked us up all year long, so it was our turn to pick him up.'' Joey Eischen held the Cubs in the bottom of the 12th to get the win.
Washington led 2-0 in the ninth before Aramis Ramirez hit his 18th homer, a two-run shot off Cordero that ended the closer's streak of 26 consecutive saves. It was Cordero's first blown save since April 21 at Atlanta, and third of the season. ``It was a little weird, but it was bound to happen sometime. It's better that it happens now rather than later,'' Cordero said.
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