The Cincinnati Reds play the Washington Nationals after Gavin Lux had four hits against the Nationals on Tuesday.

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (8-6) lowered his ERA to 3.08 with his first career shutout, second by Reds (also Andrew Abbott).

BOTTOM LINE: The Washington Nationals begin a three-game series at home against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday. Washington has a 19-30 record in home games and a 39-60 record overall. The Nationals have gone 31-20 in games when they record eight or more hits.

Nick Lodolo pitched his first complete game with eight strikeouts, Nick Fraley and Santiago Espinal each had two hits and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Washington Nationals 5-0 on Wednesday. Lodolo (8-6) allowed four hits with no walks.

Right-hander pitches around a decrease in velocity but the bats provide no support in a 5-0 loss to the Reds, who stave off a series sweep.

The Cincinnati Reds reached a season high-water mark of five games over .500 with 2 wins in New York out of the break. They haven't won since.

Josh Bell hit his 13th home run, Jacob Young and CJ Abrams contributed RBI doubles during the decisive fifth inning, and the Washington Nationals defeated the Cincinnati Reds 6-1.

The Cincinnati Reds (56-50) completed the sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays (53-53) with a 2-1 win on Sunday. This win was all about the pitching for the Reds.

Nick Lodolo impresses as he strikes out eight in a shutout win over the Nationals.