Gomes’ single breaks tie in 12th inning, giving Reds a 4-2 win after Nationals’ rally

Reds recover after Nationals rally, win in 12th

WASHINGTON — Pinch-hitter Jonny Gomes hit a tiebreaking RBI double with two out in the 12th inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat Washington 4-2 on Wednesday night after the Nationals rallied in the ninth following a long rain delay.

Jay Bruce led off the 12th with a walk and Alex Gonzalez reached when Ron Villone (3-1) botched his sacrifice attempt. Bruce moved to third on a passed ball.

Jason Bergmann got Ryan Hanigan to ground into a double play but Gomes followed with his clutch hit into left field. Jerry Hairston Jr. added an RBI single.

Villone gave up his first run of the year. He entered with 17 scoreless innings this season. Washington has lost three in a row and 12 of 14.

Nick Masset (4-0) pitched two innings for the win and David Weathers finished for his first save.

The Nationals scored both of their runs after a 2 hour, 10 minute delay in the bottom of the ninth. When the game started again, less than 100 fans remained in the seats, gathered in the rows behind each dugout.

Francisco Cordero, who picked up his first blown save of the year, issued a leadoff walk to Elijah Dukes and had a 2-2 count on Josh Willingham when rain sent the teams off the field. When the game resumed, Cordero walked Willingham to put runners at first and second.

After Ronnie Belliard struck out, Josh Bard and pinch-hitter Alberto Gonzalez had RBI singles to tie it at 2.

Cordero had converted all 15 of his save opportunities this season — it was his first blown save since last July 21 against San Diego Padres.

Aaron Harang pitched 7 2-3 shutout innings and Bruce had a two-run homer for Cincinnati. Harang allowed five hits, walked three and struck out two.

Shairon Martis went seven innings for the Nationals, allowing just three hits.

NOTES: Hairston batted leadoff for the Reds. CF Willy Taveras, trying to work his way out of a slump, moved to the second spot. Manager Dusty Baker called the move temporary. … The Nationals signed RHP Drew Storen, the 10th overall pick in the draft. The deal is worth more than $1.5 million. … Washington OF Josh Willingham made his first start since missing six games with a stomach virus. Usually a left fielder, it also was his first career start in right. Willingham committed an error in the third when Hairston’s liner bounced out of his glove.