Griffey Belts Career HR No. 604; Reds Blank Nats 3-0

Cincinnati, Ohio (AHN) -Ken Griffey smacked his 11th home run of the season, and the 604th of his career, while four pitchers tossed shutout ball as the Cincinnati Reds blanked the Washington Nationals 3-0 Friday afternoon.

Griffey's shot, a two-run blow, came in the first inning and proved to be all Cincinnati would need as starter Bronson Arroyo and three relievers went on to blank the Nats.

Arroyo pitched six strong innings, allowing five hits and three walks in improving to 6-7 on the season.

David Weathers and Jared Burton held the Nationals scoreless over the next two frames, while Francisco Cordero did the same in the ninth, despite allowing a pair of hits, to record his 17th save.

Jason Bergmann (1-6) took the loss for the Nationals, despite a solid outing in which he limited the Reds to just six hits over six frames.

Washington's offense sputtered, as Dmitri Young was the only Nats batter to collect two hits.

Austin Kearns was a chief culprit, going hitless in four at-bats in the five-hole to see his average fall to a dismal .184.