Nelson Cruz hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the eighth inning to lift the Washington Nationals to a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Monday night.

Cruz, who hit a two-run double in the fifth, smacked a 1-1 pitch from Brandon Hughes (1-1) to center to snap a 4-all tie with one out in the eighth. It was Cruz's ninth homer of the season and first since June 25.

Cruz is 9 for 25 (.360) over his past eight games.

Ian Happ hit two solo homers for the Cubs, including a drive into the second deck in right center, giving him three in his past three games.

Starter Josiah Gray allowed three runs on five hits for Washington. He walked two and struck out 10.

Lane Thomas and Yadiel Hernandez had two hits apiece for the Nationals, who had lost nine of 11.

Cubs starter Marcus Stroman allowed four unearned runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Justin Steele (4-7, 3.63 ERA) has recorded 19 strikeouts over 10 2/3 innings of his last two starts, both no-decisions.

Patrick Corbin (4-16, 7.02 ERA), whose last turn was skipped after he failed to make it through the first inning in two of three starts, is 5-2 with a 3.97 ERA in eight career starts against the Cubs.