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).

The Washington Nationals defeated the Cincinnati Reds 10-8 on Monday, marking their highest scoring game since July 3.

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.

Reds rookie starter Chase Burns threw hard, but he couldn't escape a bases-loaded-no-outs jam in the bottom of the sixth. That's where the Nationals scored three runs to add to their lead. Their bullpen, which is one of the worst in Major League Baseball, held the Reds bats scoreless the rest of the way.

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.

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.

BOTTOM LINE: The Washington Nationals host the Cincinnati Reds, leading the series 1-0. Washington is 40-60 overall and 20-30 in home games. Nationals hitters are batting a collective .246, which ranks eighth in the NL.

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