Washington Nationals Top Cincinnati Reds 6-1, Secure Series Victory (July 22 Recap)

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Josh Bell hit his 13th home run, Jacob Young and CJ Abrams contributed RBI doubles during the decisive fifth inning, and the Washington Nationals defeated the Cincinnati Reds 6-1 on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

Riley Adams' bases-loaded single produced the final three runs off Reds rookie right-hander Chase Burns (0-2) an inning later, the last scoring via throwing error, as the Nationals secured their first series victory since July 2/3 against Detroit.

Konnor Pilkington (1-0) worked two scoreless innings for his second career victory, and first with Washington, after rookie Brad Lord allowed a run through four innings in his first start since May 6.

Gavin Lux had four singles and drove in a fourth-inning run for the Reds (52-50), who have lost three straight after climbing a season-high five games above .500 on July 19.

Burns struck out 10 but allowed seven hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings. Five of his six runs were earned.

Key Moment

Brady House singled to lead off the Nationals' fifth, reached third on two productive outs over three pitches, then scored easily on Young's first-pitch double to the gap in left-center to give Washington the lead. Abrams followed with a long at-bat by comparison, driving Burns' fourth pitch to the right field wall.

Key Stat

Lord had worked 26 relief outings between starts. He allowed a run or fewer over three or more innings for the first time since his first career start of three scoreless frames on April 8.

Up Next

Nationals right-hander Michael Soroka (3-7, 5.10 ERA) and Reds lefty Nick Lodolo (7-6, 3.33) come into Wednesday afternoon's series finale off strong outings last Friday. Soroka threw five innings of one-run ball in Washington's 7-2 home loss to San Diego, while Lodolo allowed two runs over seven innings in an 8-4 win at the New York Mets.

In summary

The Washington Nationals secured a 6-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on July 22, 2025, marking their first series win since early July. Key offensive contributions included Josh Bell's 13th home run and RBI doubles from Jacob Young and CJ Abrams in a decisive fifth inning. Riley Adams added a bases-loaded single in the sixth to extend the lead. Konnor Pilkington earned his first win with Washington, providing two scoreless innings of relief after rookie Brad Lord's four-inning start. For the Reds, Gavin Lux had four singles and an RBI, while starting pitcher Chase Burns (0-2) took the loss despite striking out 10. The series is set to conclude on Wednesday with Michael Soroka pitching for the Nationals against Nick Lodolo for the Reds.

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