Finnegan breaks schneid with strong start

CINCINNATI — Reds starting pitcher Brandon Finnegan fell just two outs short in Saturday’s 7-2 win over Washington of setting a season best for the Reds’ rotation.

After both Alfredo Simon and John Lamb went seven innings against the Rockies, Finnegan could have made it the first time all season that the Reds had three straight starts of seven or more innings.

While it was close but no cigar for Finnegan in setting the Reds’ season high, it’s hard to discredit his 6 1/3 innings of one-run, five-hit ball that helped send the Reds to their third straight win.

“You win with starting pitching shortening the game and then having guys at the back end of the game that are comfortable pitching with a lead or a small margin,” manager Bryan Price said. “There was a little bit bigger margin tonight, but they did a nice job.”

Finnegan also shed a personal burden on Saturday, getting his first victory — as well as the Reds’ first win in a game he started — since April 16. The slump spanned eight outings and included three quality starts.

“Not going to win every …

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