Cincinnati Reds starter Bronson Arroyo hasn't had much success lately, but things might finally be taking a positive turn. Arroyo looks to build on his first win in over a month on Friday as the Reds and Washington Nationals continue their four-game...

CINCINNATI, July 3 -- When the bottom of the seventh inning began Thursday night, the bullpen gates opened, and from underneath a hanging, rectangular DHL billboard in right field emerged right-hander Jesús Colome, a relief pitcher whose introduction often coincides with the relinquished grip on a game.

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Colome trotted to the mound, taking both the ball and the fortunes of a tied contest into his hand. What happened next -- in a span of 17 pitches from three members of the bullpen -- offered a graphic illustration of the Washington Nationals' newest, latest problem. The team's bullpen, once known for its reliability, has become a liability. Its latest escapades twisted a strong Washington effort into an uncomfortable 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark.

In the seventh inning, the Nationals allowed two go-ahead runs, burying another quality start from John Lannan and the timely offense that staked Washington to an early lead. For the third time in four games this road trip, the Nationals received a reminder of the link between bullpen appearances and consequences: Since leaving town, the bullpen has, in order, blown a lead, nearly blown a lead, blown a...
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