Soto and Dozier go yard (Nats win 3-1)

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

August 13, 2019, 4:15pm

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The Nationals scored first on an interesting double play to end the top of the first inning.

With one out, Victor Robles doubled. Anthony Rendon singled with Robles taking third base. Juan Soto's hot shot was gloved by Joey Votto at first. Votto stepped on first to retire Soto, then threw to shortstop JosÃ© Iglesias to tag Rendon out at second base. When Votto stepped on first base, that eliminated the force out. Robles crossed the plate before Rendon was tagged out at second base, so the run counted.

Mid-first, the Nationals lead the Reds 1-0.

Joe Ross allowed two hits through three innings but no runs. In his first three innings, Reds starter Alex Wood later gave up a base hit to Trea Turner in the third, but no other runs besides the early score.

After three innings, the Nats lead the Reds 1-0.

In the fourth, Soto signaled that his ankle is just fine with a no-doubt upper-deck homer over the right field wall. It was Soto's 25th of the season. One batter later, Brian Dozier blasted a solo shot over the left field wall. For Dozier, it was home run No. 17.

After four innings, the Nats lead the Reds 3-0.

Update: Nick Senzel doubled with two outs in the top of the seventh off of Ross. JosÃ© Iglesias singled home Senzel to get the Reds on the board. Hunter Strickland replaced Ross. Kyle Farmer grounded out to Rendon to end the inning.

Ross finished 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He fired 92 pitches., 57 for strikes.

Mid-seventh, the Nats lead the Reds 3-1.

Update II: Reliever Daniel Hudson collected the final out of the top of the eighth and returned for the ninth. But Josh VanMeter doubled to right-center field to start the inning. Senzel and Iglesias were retired thanks to a lineout to center field a strikeout on a 98 mph fastball, respectively. Newly acquired Freddy Galvis then singled to right field to put runners on the corners. Tucker Barnhart struck out to end the inning and slammed his bat down on home plate.

Final score: Nats 3, Reds 1.