In their four game series opener, the Reds beats the Washington Nationals 5-3. The Nats lead for the first half of the game but the bullpen just could not hold the lead. The loss drops the Nationals down to 34-53.
John Lannan, the Nats most consistent starter, went six innings and gave up three earned runs. Lannan walked three and struck out three batters. Jesus Colome got the loss after he came on in relief of Lannan. Colome got only one out and gave up two unearned runs to pick up the loss.
The Nats went up 3-1 in the top of the sixth inning on an Elijah Dukes solo home run. Dukes also doubled in a run earlier in the game. Dukes went 2-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. Cristian Guzman and Willie Harris each had two hits as well for the Nationals.
The Nats and Reds will play again on Friday. Jason Bergmann is set to go on the mound for the Nationals. Game time is 1:15pm.