Cubs Start Epstein Era With 2-1 Loss To Nationals

April 5, 2012 12:00 AM " CHICAGO (AP) - As Ryan Dempster left the field at Wrigley to a standing ovation, the Chicago Cubs looked ready to start the Theo Epstein era on a winning note.

The cheers didn’t last. The lead didn’t either.

A new beginning had a familiar feel as the Cubs dropped their opener.

Stephen Strasburg dominated Chicago for seven innings, and Ian Desmond singled in the go-ahead run in the ninth on a windy Thursday to give the Washington Nationals a 2-1 win over Chicago.

“It hurts because we lose today,” Dempster said. “We want to win every day we’re out there, but especially opening day when you’re at home in front of all these great fans. That’s what hurt.”

Strasburg allowed one run and five hits, including an RBI single to Marlon Byrd in the fourth. He was pinch hit for in the eighth, when Kerry Wood forced in the tying run with three straight walks, and did not figure in the decision.

Washington went ahead in the ninth when Chad Tracy hit a two-out double off the right-field wall against Carlos Marmol (0-1), and Desmond followed with his third hit.

Strasburg struck out five and walked one "

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