Spring was barely a month old the last time Cubs starter Jason Hammel did not achieve a quality start.
Hammel, whose last dud was April 22, made it eight in a row Saturday by dominating Washington. If not for a home run by Bryce Harper leading off the ninth, he might have snagged his first complete game of the season as well.
The right-hander allowed two runs on five hits in eight innings with two walks and seven strikeouts. His lone blemish before the Harper blast ended up over the fence as well, courtesy of Wilson Ramos.
"Jason Hammel was outstanding," manager Joe Maddon said, per MLB.com. "How many games in a row is that? You talk about pitching at an All-Star quality or level, he has. He's been unbelievably good, consistent, deep into the game, strike thrower. Just outstanding."
Hammel will try for his sixth win next Friday against Cincinnati.