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The Chicago Cubs defeated the Washington Nationals 12–6 on August 12 at Nationals Park, surpassing the Vegas total of 9.5 runs in a high-scoring affair. The Cubs' offense proved decisive, collecting 13 hits and four home runs while driving in 12 runs, though they struck out 11 times. Chicago's pitching was the game's decisive factor, limiting Washington to five earned runs across the contest despite allowing 11 hits, posting a 4.08 ERA compared to the Nationals' 4.76 mark. Washington's lineup managed 11 hits and two homers but could only convert those opportunities into six runs, with an .769 OPS that fell short of what the Cubs generated at .761 OPS. The Nationals' pitching staff allowed eight earned runs and fanned just eight batters while issuing six walks, a control issue that compounded their offensive struggles. Chicago's power display—four home runs—proved the differentiator in what became a wire-to-wire Cubs victory. The Cubs' pitching efficiency and timely hitting should bolster their rotation confidence heading into the next series.