Patrick Corbin pitched effectively for six innings on his 35th birthday, Juan Yepez hit a three-run home run, and the Washington Nationals started the second half of the season with an 8-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night.
Corbin, who improved his record to 2-9 with the win, had a strong outing by retiring the first eight batters he faced and allowing just one run on three hits. It was his first start this year where he gave up fewer than two runs.
“I saw some opportunities to use that pitch,” Corbin said about his slower slider that confused the Reds’ hitters. “Maybe I used it more than usual tonight.”
The Reds, who were aiming for a wild-card playoff spot, made a late rally in the ninth inning, scoring four runs against Nationals relievers Jose A. Ferrer and Derek Law. All-Star closer Kyle Finnegan came in to secure the win, getting a groundout to end the game and earn his 26th save of the season.
Keibert Ruiz also contributed with a home run for the Nationals, who have had a mixed season but have shown resilience.
Washington’s general manager Mike Rizzo mentioned earlier in the day that he is open to trade offers for some players, including Finnegan and outfielder Lane Thomas, as part of ongoing team rebuilding efforts.
Yepez’s home run came in the fifth inning off Reds starter Frankie Montas, extending his hitting streak to a career-best 11 games and marking his first home run as a National.
