Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano struck out eight en route to a win over the Nationals and then flew home to Venezuela to be with his sick nephew.
"I was thinking about him in the first inning. I was thinking about the situation," said Zambrano.
"Every pitch I was throwing in the first inning, I was saying, 'This is for you. Don't give up. ... Pitch this game for him.' "
Zambrano is expected to return to the Cubs on Saturday.
His 11-year-old nephew is hospitalized in Venezuela with a serious infection.
Zambrano Wins, Flies To Venezuela