WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Jose Guillen hit his 23rd home run Wednesday night as Washington beat the Cincinnati Reds, 5-1.
Washington scored three runs in the seventh inning off loser Ramon Ortiz (8-9) and reliever Jason Standridge to break the game open.
Vinny Castilla added two RBI and Brian Schneider and Preston Wilson also knocked in a run each for the Nationals, who are only 3-5 in their last eight games.
For the Reds, reigning National League Player of the Week Felipe Lopez had three hits, Ken Griffey Jr., and Rich Aurilia both extended their hitting streaks to 10 games and Javier Valentin, who homered, and Austin Kearns each had two hits and one run scored.
Cincinnati has won four of its last six and is 23-15 since the All-Star break after its first loss to the Nationals in five games this season.
Winning pitcher John Patterson rose to 8-4. Washington closer Chad Cordero earned his 40th save.
