Cubs win fifth straight by topping Nationals

(Photo credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports)
Javier Assad pitched six innings, Nico Hoerner had two hits and scored twice, and the visiting Chicago Cubs beat the Washington Nationals 5-3 on Saturday for their fifth straight win.

Chicago has won eight of nine as it contends for an N.L. wild card spot.

Assad (7-4) allowed three runs on eight hits. He walked two and struck out four. Porter Hodge pitched the ninth for his