WASHINGTON, D.C. (WMDJ) — The Cincinnati Reds battled back from an early deficit Friday night, but could not get past the Washington Nationals in a 5-3 loss at Nationals Park.

Washington jumped ahead in the first inning when Daylen Lile launched a three-run homer off Chase Petty.

The Reds answered with the long ball. Eugenio Suárez hit a solo homer in the second before Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz went deep in the third, tying the game at three with back to back homers. De La Cruz's blast was his 20th of the season.

Washington regained the lead for good in the fourth when Harry Ford hit a two-run homer off Julian Garcia. Cincinnati had a chance to rally in the seventh, putting runners at the corners with nobody out, but the inning ended on a Sal Stewart double play.

The Reds and Nationals continue the series Saturday night. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 6:15 on WMDJ FM 100.1.

The Reds also received more bad news Friday, as the team announced Hunter Greene will undergo surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, ending his 2026 season. The exact procedure has not yet been determined and is expected to take place next week.