Ross (3-1) struck out a season-high nine while allowing just two runs on five hits over 6.2 innings Thursday. but was stuck with a loss against the Cubs. He walked two and hit a batter.

EDGE Analysis

Other than a fourth-inning mini rally in which he let the Cubs load the bases and then gave up a two-run single to Ben Zobrist, Ross was stellar in this one -- he only allowed four men to reach base in the entire rest of the outing combined. However, opposing starter Kyle Hendricks held the Washington offense down, sending Ross to his first loss of the year. The young hurler (who'll turn 23 in a couple weeks) still has a 1.23 ERA in his first five starts, and he should see his strikeout rate continue to rebound. However, he'll get a tough draw in his next start Tuesday against the impressive Tigers offense.