WASHINGTON — Abimelec Ortiz hit his second career home run, and Will Dion pitched brilliantly in relief, allowing just one run in 6 1/3 innings. The Washington Nationals defeated the Cincinnati Reds 7-1 on Sunday to sweep the series.
Dion (1-0), acquired at the trade deadline from the Guardians, earned his first win of the season by retiring the first nine batters he faced. He pitched three scoreless innings. Trevor Williams added 2 1/3 more innings without giving up any runs, maintaining his impressive ERA since returning from elbow surgery.
Brad Lord gave up the only run during his start, and Jake Bird closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning.
Jacob Young and Andrés Chaparro each drove in two runs for the Nationals, who have won four of their last five games. Ortiz highlighted the game with a home run in the third inning, putting the Nationals ahead 3-1. Chaparro capped the scoring with a two-run double in the eighth.
Keibert Ruiz tied the game earlier with a single, and Young gave Washington the lead for good with a sacrifice fly. Daylen Lile added another run with a single in the seventh inning.
Singer pitched six innings but struggled, allowing three runs on eight hits. The Reds were outscored 20-6 in the series.
Reds: Nick Lodolo will start game one against the White Sox on Tuesday.
Nationals: No starter has been announced for their upcoming series against the Cubs.