WASHINGTON -- Edwin Jackson threw a two-hitter for his fifth career complete game and Adam LaRoche added to his unusually strong start with a tiebreaking two-run double Saturday, helping the Washington Nationals win their fifth game in a row, 4-1 over the Cincinnati Reds.

Other than a rocky second inning, Jackson (1-0) was as efficient and effective as can be, striking out nine. He retired 16 consecutive batters in one stretch, until walking Chris Heiseyleading off the eighth. After a visit from pitching coach Steve McCatty, Jackson got back in gear, striking out the side. And he finished with the flourish of a 1-2-3 ninth.

As if all of that weren't enough, Jackson even singled off Reds starter Homer Bailey (0-2).