Johnny Cueto pitched six solid innings and helped himself with a two-run single as the Cincinnati Reds posted a 7-2 victory over the struggling Washington Nationals on Monday.

Cueto (9-2) recorded his third straight win and ninth in 10 decisions, allowing just two runs and four hits. The right-hander walked four and struck out four in improving to 5-1 in his last nine home starts.

The Reds rallied for four runs in the second inning to take an early lead. Jonny Gomes led off with a single and Jay Bruce and Miguel Cairo drew walks before Drew Stubbs delivered a two-run double. Cueto then singled to plate a pair.

The Nationals halved the deficit in the third on Nyjer Morgan's sacrifice fly and an RBI single by Cristian Guzman, ending their scoreless drought at 23 innings. But Gomes opened the sixth with his 13th home run of the season and Cairo belted a solo shot two batters later for a 6-2 advantage.

J.D. Martin (1-5) lasted 5 1/3 innings, surrendering six runs and six hits in falling to 0-4 in six road starts.

Washington lost its third straight and fifth in six games. The Nationals have won just six of their last 31 road contests.