Youmans, Reardon Stop Reds

Floyd Youmans has a relatively simple recipe for success.

“I know if I can get the ball over the plate, they won’t hit it,” the Montreal starter said Tuesday after the Expos defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 4-2. “Every time out I feel I’m getting better and better. Pretty soon I’ll be where I want to be.”

Youmans, 2-3, worked 5 innings, allowed seven hits and struck out four to win his second straight game. Jeff Reardon pitched the last two innings to record his 10th save, as the Expos won for the 11th time in their last 13 games. The Reds have lost 17 of their last 21.

“He was a little wild, but at least now he’s giving us a chance to win,” Expos Manager Buck Rodgers said. “It’ll be good for his confidence.”

Andre Dawson provided the margin of victory for Montreal with a two-run single in the fifth off Mario Soto, 2-5.

“I guess it was a big hit because it came at a time when it put us in the lead, and that seemed to carry us for the rest of the game,” Dawson said.

Dawson’s single came after Youmans beat out an infield hit and went to third on Mitch Webster’s single. Webster then stole second before Dawson’s single to left put Montreal in front to stay.