The Reds started their homestand on a sour note by losing yesterday's game against the Washington Nationals by a score of 7-1.

Brandon Claussen worked five and a third innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on eleven hits. Among the hits were three home runs. Claussen took yet another loss to bring his record to 2-4.

Rick White bailed Claussen out of the sixth and held the Nats hitless. Matt Belisle worked the next inning and a third and gave up two more runs (none earned) on two hits.

Chris Hammond worked a scoreless two-thirds in the eighth and Brian Shackelford gave up the final run (earned) on a home run in the ninth.

No one was hitting last night. Ryan Freel and Austin Kearns went 0-for-4 with a strike-out. Adam Dunn went 0-for-3 with a strike-out, but can fall back on his walk as a demonstration of his offensive prowess. Jason LaRue and Edwin Encarnación both got on base via hit-by-pitch. The only Reds to hit were Felipe Lopez (who also scored the team's only run), Encarnación (a hit and an HBP? Big night for EdE), and Brandon Phillips (victim of his own greatness two weeks ago).

Freel did throw out Royce Clayton at the plate from center field, which is especially good for him since he's not known as a particularly strong arm in the outfield.

The loss brings the Reds' record to 21-12, which is kind of a cool number, though I have no interest in seeing 22-22, thanks. It brings the Nationals' record to 12-21, which is also kind of cool, though I doubt their fans much agree. The Reds try to get their act together tonight at 7:10 p.m. at Great American Ball Park when Aaron Harang takes on Livan Hernandez.