Reds escape with win in series opener against Nationals

Cincinnati’s early offense was enough to earn them the 3-2 win in Monday’s series opener in the nations capital against the Nationals.

The Reds got the offense going in the second inning with a one-run RBI single by Tyler Stephenson to give them a 1-0 lead.

Joey Votto would add to the lead with a two-run home run in the top of the fourth to give Cincinnati a 3-run advantage.

Washington scored their first run on a Jeimer Candelario solo home run to cut the Reds’ lead down to 2.

The Nationals would make it a 3-2 game in the bottom of the sixth on a Keibert Ruiz RBI single.

With 2-outs the game-winning run at the plate in the bottom of the ninth, CJ Abrams would groundout to second, giving Cincinnati the 3-2 win and improving their record to 46-39 on the season.

Joey Votto went 2-4 with a home run and 2 RBI.

Game 2 of the series is this morning. Coverage on 103.9 WRBI begins at 10:35.5.