Although the Nationals were able to overcome a 5-0 deficit, the Cincinnati Reds got the last laugh, as Joe Votto's 11th inning double gave the Red Legs a 8-5 victory at Nationals Park Sunday afternoon. After trailing 5-3 after five innings, the Nationals continued to chip away at the lead, thanks to the hitting of Ian Desmond.
Desmond knocked a double in the fifth inning to make the score 5-4, then tied it up with an RBI single in the 7th. He finished the day 3-for-5.
The two teams then headed to extra innings, but the deadlock was broken by Reds first baseman Joey Votto. His laser-shot double scored two runs to make the score 7-5. Scott Rolen added an RBI single for insurance before the Reds shut the Nats down in the bottom of the 11th.
Nationals starter allowed five runs (one earned) in his five innings of work. Tyler Clippard picked up the loss after allowing three runs on four hits in the 11th.
The Nationals return to action on Monday when they take on the Houston Astros at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EST.
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