(AP) -- Brandon Phillips had three hits and three rbis, and the Cincinnati Reds capitalized on a Washington error to rally for a 5-3 win over the Nationals on Thursday night.

Corey Patterson pinch-hit for starting pitcher Johnny Cueto. He reached second base after a bunt when Washington first baseman Dmitri Young couldn't handle the throw from relief pitcher Jesus Colome, who's 2-2. Patterson moved to third on Jerry Hairston's single, but couldn't score after falling down while rounding the bag.

After an intentional walk and a popup, Phillips lined reliever Luis Ayala's first pitch down the right-field line for a two-run single.

Cueto allowed seven hits and three runs with one walk and eight strikeouts in seven innings for his second consecutive win after three straight losses. He's 7-8.

(Copyright 2008 By The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)