Nationals shut down K.C.

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Mike Morse and Cristian Guzman hit solo home runs, Livan Hernandez pitched seven strong innings and the Washington Nationals beat the Kansas City Royals 2-1 Monday night.

Hernandez (6-4) had his longest outing since May 9, giving up one run and eight hits to help the Nationals snap a six-game losing streak — their longest since an eight-game Aug. 28 to Sept. 5 last year.

Hernandez struck out five and walked one.

Matt Capps struck out the side — all on called strikes — in the ninth for his major league-leading 21st save in 25 chances.

Scott Podsednik had four hits for the Royals, who have now lost four in a row. Bruce Chen (3-2), making his fifth start for Kansas City since moving from the bullpen, had his best start of the year.

The lefty allowed two runs and three hits in six innings, walking four and striking out three.