Cavalli fought, but did not launch an attack

WASHINGTON — Donovan Solano scored a double-double over Kid Cavalli, who was making his debut in the league, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Washington Nationals 7-3 Friday night.

Aristides Aquino led three runs for Cincinnati, who lost four in a row. Mike Minor (3-10) played seven games brilliantly to claim his second win.

Cavalli, the 22nd pick in the 2020 Amateur Draft, allowed seven runs and six strokes in 4 1/3 innings. The right-hand man, who turned 24 on August 14, was summoned hours before the palace.

For Washington, the worst team in the major leagues, who ceded Juan Soto to San Diego less than a month ago, Cavalli’s (0-1) arrival is another step in a reconstruction that could take years.

However, the situation was immediately complicated, as two rounds were taken by the Reds in the first half. Solano’s third single put Cincinnati ahead 4-0.

For the Reds, Colombian Solano scored 5-2 with two runs and two RBIs. Dominican Aquino 3-1 with three RBIs. Cuban Jose Barreiro 4-0.

For the Nationals, Mexican Joey Meneses 4-1 with RBI. Dominican Nelson Cruz 4-1, Victor Robles 4-1. The Venezuelans scored 4-1, Kibert Ruiz, and Eldemaro Vargas 3-1.