Reds earn doubleheader split

Reds 7-2, Nationals 1-6 The Nationals’ Juan Soto is out at second base as Reds shortstop Jose Peraza fires to first to complete a double play on Washington’s Daniel Murphy in the fourth inning of Game 1.

being promoted. The home run was his first of the season and gave the Reds a 4-0 lead against Gio Gonzalez.

“I do feel like I’ve been taking advantage of the playing time,” Ervin said. “Hopefully, I keep taking advantage of it.”

Ervin’s offense was more than enough to support right-hander Anthony DeSclafani. He went seven innings and allowed one run on six hits. He walked one and struck out two. In his previous three outings, he had allowed 12 runs on 16 hits in 12

innings.

“I’m not going to complain any time I go seven innings and give up one run,” DeSclafani said. “It felt good to finally get into the seventh inning.”

The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Reds, who also got a homer from Brandon Dixon.

The Reds added a Billy Hamilton run in the sixth to make it 7-1. Hamilton beat out an infield single, stole second, went to third on Jose Peraza’s flyout to center and scored

on Ervin’s sacrifice fly.

Game 2 got a bit chippy late. Ryan Madson hit the Reds’ Joey Votto on the knee with a pitch. Votto made it clear he wasn’t happy.

The Reds’ Austin Brice had hit the Nationals’ Bryce Harper on the knee in the sixth. Harper left the game the next half inning. Votto was limping noticeably but stayed in the game.

Peraza, who had three hits in Game 1, led off the nightcap with his sixth home run.