WASHINGTON -- The Nationals were glad to snap this streak on Sunday. 

Patrick Corbin earned the win in the Nats’ 3-2 victory over the Reds at Nationals Park, ending a stretch of 43 consecutive games without a starting pitcher being credited with a ‘W,’ a Major League record.

“Everyone knows that record here that was broken today,” Corbin said. “[It’s] not something that we’re proud of. We’ve been pitching good as a staff, and a lot of guys have been going out there, giving us a chance to win games. It just happened to be today. Gave up a couple runs early, offense came up, scored big and then the bullpen came in and pitched great.”

The last time a Nationals starter had picked up a win was July 6, when Josiah Gray struck out 11 against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

Since then, Washington’s starting pitchers had gone 0-26 with a 6.74 ERA. Losses during that span were recorded by Corbin (7), Aníbal Sánchez (5), Paolo Espino (4), Erick Fedde (3), Gray (3), Cory Abbott (2), Joan Adon (1) and Cade Cavalli (1).

“We were fully aware in here what was going on,” said closer Kyle Finnegan, who was credited with the save. “I think the bullpen kind of lost a few of those on the way. I know there was one that Paolo had that I gave up the lead, and I wound up stealing the win from him that game. To get Pat that win today and kind of put an end to that was awesome. He pitched a heck of a game, handed it off to the bullpen, and we were able to do our job.”

Corbin tossed six innings with four hits, two runs (one earned), one walk, one home run and five strikeouts across 82 pitches (52 strikes). He improved to 5-17 on the season, landing in the win column for the first time since June 28.

After skipping a turn in the rotation in mid-August, Corbin has allowed a total of seven earned runs in 17 1/3 innings across his last three outings, compared to 16 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings prior to that. 

“It was tough, actually, after Stuart [Fairchild]’s home run [in the second inning],” Reds manager David Bell said. “I think we only had another hit or two the rest of the game, so give [Corbin] credit. The last time we faced him, same thing: We had a big first or second inning, scored quite a few runs, and then he settled in. He’s been doing it for a long time -- just sinker, slider, occasional changeup, and really about the location. He had good velocity, too.”

With the game tied 2-2 in the fifth inning, Ildemaro Vargas put the Nationals in position to break the skid with a go-ahead home run off Reds starter Nick Lodolo. The third baseman was happy to help the team -- and Corbin, with whom he was teammates on the D-backs. Vargas has hit three homers since being called up from Triple-A on Aug. 1, all of which have been go-ahead dingers. 

“Taking a lead there, you love to see that,” said Finnegan. “You’re like, ‘All right, here we go. We’ve got the lead, Pat’s got the lead, let’s get it done.’”

Mission accomplished. The reliable trio of relievers Hunter Harvey, Carl Edwards Jr. and Finnegan combined to hold the Reds scoreless for the final three innings. They locked in the win for Corbin, snapped an unwanted streak, avoided a sweep and sent the team into an off-day with momentum.

“For all of us, a win is a win,” said manager Dave Martinez. “Patrick, he said it best -- ‘It’s a team win.’”