Article updated: 5/10/2013 11:27 PM

Samardzija takes 5th loss, Cubs beaten 7-3 by Nats

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In the second, though, one Washington Nationals batter reached on an infield single. The next got aboard when Samardzija failed in two attempts to start a double play by fielding the ball with his pitching hand. He was charged with an error, then wound up giving up a two-run double to No. 8 hitter Danny Espinosa in what would become Chicago's 7-3 loss to Washington.

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Ian Desmond's three hits included a two-run homer and an RBI double, and Danny Espinosa and Kurt Suzuki also drove in runs with doubles, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Cubs 7-3 for their season-high fifth consecutive victory. Jeff Samardzija (1-5) lost his fifth decision in a row by allowing seven runs — five earned — and eight hits. He threw 73 pitches in his five innings, matching his shortest outing of the season.