CINCINNATI — Jonny Gomes had hit three home runs in a game once before. This time meant more to him.

Gomes homered in his first three at-bats to back Bronson Arroyo's two-hitter and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Washington Nationals, 7-0, last night.

The three-homer game was Gomes' first since July 30, 2005, against Kansas City.

"This one's a lot more emotional for me," said Gomes, who opened the season with Triple-A Louisville after signing a minor-league contract with Cincinnati in January. He joined the Reds on May 22. "I was in Triple-A to start this thing off, and now — not too many at-bats later — I have three home runs."

Gomes hit two-run homers in the second and fourth innings and added a solo shot in the sixth to help the Reds take a 7-0 lead. He struck out in the eighth inning, but still finished with a career-high five RBI.

Gomes became the 24th player in franchise history to hit three home runs in a game, and Ryan Hanigan added a solo shot to give Arroyo plenty of breathing room.

Arroyo (11-11) had been 0-3 in his previous four starts. He allowed just one runner as far as second base, walked one, hit a batter and struck out three.

ROCKIES 10, PIRATES 1

Jason Marquis allowed three hits over seven innings, Troy Tulowitzki and Clint Barmes homered, and host Colorado beat Pittsburgh. Marquis (13-8) became the third pitcher in the National League to reach 13 wins. He gave up one run and struck out six with three walks.

PHILLIES 6, CUBS 1

Cliff Lee won his third straight start since joining Philadelphia, and the NL East leaders beat host Chicago for its first sweep at Wrigley Field in 25 years. Lee (3-0) allowed one run and six hits over eight innings. Ryan Howard hit his 27th homer, a three-run shot off Ryan Dempster (6-6).

MARLINS 9, ASTROS 2

Jorge Cantu and Ronny Paulino homered as host Florida beat Houston. Sean West (4-4) struck out three in six innings, and relievers Brian Sanches and Chris Leroux combined to give the Marlins their sixth win in the last seven games.

BREWERS 12, PADRES 9

Prince Fielder and backup catcher Mike Rivera each hit two home runs, and host Milwaukee beat San Diego. Fielder hit a 465-foot shot off the Miller Park scoreboard and Ryan Braun also homered for the Brewers.