Cincinnati holds off Washington, 3-2, in series opener

Eugenio Suarez hit a solo homer in the top of the eighth to break a 2-2 tie, and the Cincinnati bullpen made it hold up in a 3-2 win over the Washington Nationals in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

The Suarez homer, his third of the season, came off Casey Jannsen (0-2, 3.00 ERA). Nats starter Doug Fister put in a nice outing in a no-decision, giving up two runs, one earned, on eight hits in six innings, striking out two and walking one.

Anthony DeSclafani gave up two runs on five hits in five and two-thirds innings for the Reds, striking out six and walking four.

Manny Parra (1-1, 1.65 ERA) got the win in relief, and Aroldis Chapman earned his 17th save with a scoreless ninth, pitching around a one-out walk to Michael Taylor.

Danny Espinosa hit a solo homer in the sixth for Washington, his ninth of the season.

Washington (46-37) has a three and a half game lead in the National League East.