Reds trump the Nationals in rubber match

Alfredo Simon turned in seven outstanding innings in another victorious effort on the road, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-1 win over the Washington Nationals in the rubber match of a three-game set.

Simon (6-2) permitted just one run on five hits and a walk to improve to 5-0 in five starts away from home this season, with the effort giving the Reds their first series win in Washington since June 4-6, 2010.

The Nationals' lone score came on a leadoff home run from Denard Span in the bottom of the first.

Zack Cozart aided Simon's cause by going 3-for-5 with a run scored, while Brandon Phillips and Brayan Pena delivered RBI singles for Cincinnati.

Washington starter Tanner Roark (3-2) pitched well in a losing cause, allowing two runs -- one earned -- over six innings of work.

[SportsNetwork.com]