MLB: Cincinnati 5, Washington 3

CINCINNATI, July 3 (UPI) -- Brandon Phillips had three hits and three RBI Thursday to rally the Cincinnati Reds past the Washington Nationals 5-3.

The second baseman's RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning pulled Cincinnati within 3-2 and his two-run seventh-inning single knocked in the winning runs.

Joey Votto added an RBI single in the sixth, and Jerry Hairston Jr. added two hits in the first game of a four-game holiday weekend series at the Reds' Great American Ballpark.

Winner Johnny Cueto (7-8) gave up three earned runs and seven hits in seven innings with a walk and eight strikeouts, while closer Francisco Cordero earned his 16th save this season with a 1-2-3 ninth.

Washington's Elijah Dukes hit an RBI single and a solo homer.

Former Red Austin Kearns knocked in the other run in his return from the 15-day disabled list because of an elbow injury.

The losing pitcher was reliever Jesus Colome (2-2).

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