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WASHINGTON -- Danny Espinosa drove in eight runs in April and tallied seven RBI in Washingtons latest victory.So, after the Nationals shortstop hit a grand slam and a three-run homer in a 13-4 rout of Cincinnati on Thursday night, manager Dusty Baker offered some perspective on the performance.Thats quite a night, Baker said. Thats a week and month for some guys.Espinosas second career slam put Washington up 8-1 in the third inning, and his next drive made it 13-1 in the fourth. Espinosa ranks second on the team with 15 homers despite usually batting eighth.The switch-hitter connected off Brandon Finnegan (3-7) batting right-handed, then went deep from the left side against Josh Smith. He is the first Nationals player ever to homer from both sides of the plate, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.As his second home run cleared the fence in center field, Espinosa recalled, I was just happy. I had never done that in the big leagues, hitting a home run from both sides.Espinosas previous career high for RBI was six, and his only other grand slam came in his fifth major league game on Sept. 6, 2010.It was a rocky April for Espinosa -- as evidenced by those eight RBI -- and May was only slightly better. June, however, was a different story.Hes persevered, Baker said. Im happy for him. Now, he just needs to keep it going.Gio Gonzalez (4-7) gave up four runs and struck out nine over six innings for the NL East-leading Nationals, whose current winning streak comes on the heels of a seven-game skid. Gonzalez was 0-6 with an 8.44 ERA in his previous seven starts.Ryan Zimmerman got the rout started with a three-run homer in the first inning against the lowly Reds, who have lost eight of nine.Joey Votto homered for Cincinnati, which has yielded 40 runs in its last four games -- all of them defeats.Espinosas slam chased Finnegan, who surrendered eight runs, five hits and five walks in 2 1/3 innings.You all saw the game. Not much to say about it, Finnegan said. It was definitely my worst outing of the year -- of my life, honestly. Just have to get ready for my next start.He had never given up more runs, or gotten fewer outs as a starter.The lesson learned? It wasnt as much about the home runs as the five walks.Throw strikes, Finnegan said. Thats about it.Smith provided little relief, giving up five runs and four hits in 1 2/3 innings.Washington tied a season high for runs in a game without receiving a contribution from reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper, who was given the night off by Baker.His legs are a little tired, Baker said, noting that Harper twisted his ankle earlier in the week. Hes been playing through things the last couple days.HIT PARADEReds: It was the second time in seven games that Cincinnati lost by nine runs. The Reds have allowed at least 13 runs eight times this season.Nationals: During its five-game winning streak, Washington has outscored the opposition 36-12.TRAINERS ROOMReds: RHP Caleb Cotham (right shoulder inflammation) was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Thursday night at Class-AA Pensacola against Chattanooga. Manager Bryan Price said the plan is to have Cotham pitch around five times in the minors, and then well reassess. Cotham has been on the DL since May 31. ... OF Billy Hamilton passed concussion protocol and was in the starting lineup after being struck in the face by a deflected line drive Wednesday.Nationals: RHP Stephen Strasburg (back, ribs) is eligible to return from the DL on Friday, but that almost certainly will not happen. Im more inclined not to rush him, Baker said.UP NEXTReds: RHP Anthony DeSclafani (2-0, 1.52 ERA) makes his fifth start of the season, bringing a 13-inning scoreless streak into Friday nights game against Washington.Nationals: RHP Tanner Roark (7-5, 2.96) is 3-1 with a 2.30 ERA over his last four starts. Butch Goring Jersey . Speaking to the Chicago Tribune at baseballs Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Boras called the former home of the Expos a "tremendous environment" for baseball. Adrian Kempe Kings Jersey . 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Australian football superstar Tim Cahill is expecting a hot reception when he steps out in Melbourne City colours in the A-League for the first time on Saturday night.Cahills first domestic competition match on home soil since 1997 is a Melbourne Victory home game at Etihad Stadium.Hes been a local crowd favourite throughout his 94-game career with the Socceroos, but Cahills played in heated local derbies around the world too - and hes ready for whats in store.The derby is going to be exciting ... I think its going to be my first taste of Australian supporters booing me, Cahill said at the Fox Sports A-League launch on Wednesday.But its to be expected.Im not expecting a nice welcome; Im not expecting them to give me a clap in the same way they didnt when I played at Liverpool when I played there (with Everton).But thats football - thats the beauty of the game that we play - it comes with the territory.Theres only one way that I quiet any fan ... and thats through my football.Cahill is fit and keen to be on the field from the opening whistle for his A-League debut.The 36-year-old, a substitute for the Socceroos in Tuesday nights 1-1 draw with Japan, sayys hes ready to play substantial minutes in the big clash.ddddddddddddEverybody loves to start, especially in these games. Our intent for this game ... will be pretty clear after the first five minutes, he said.Ive been doing extras in (Socceroos) camp and the physios have been all over me, but I woke up fine - I didnt do too much physically (against Japan).Im like any other player - if you leave me out there for 90 minutes, Ill play. But thats something Im going to leave in their hands.But I feel great; I honestly do feel good. I felt (good) mobility-wise and football-wise ... I couldnt be happier.Cahill is bullish on the squad that City coach John van t Schip has assembled, but stopped short of declaring it ready to break through for a maiden A-League title.Its going to be a big year for us ... hopefully well win something but it cant be the first thing on our minds, he said.When you look at winning something you look ahead 20 games or more, but if you really want to win something you just have to look at the next weekend. ' ' '