Travis d’Arnaud’s tiebreaking RBI single in the sixth inning helped the Atlanta Braves defeat the Washington Nationals 4-2, marking their sixth win in seven games. Orlando Arcia and Ramón Laureano also hit solo home runs for the Braves. Manager Brian Snitker expressed cautious optimism about his team’s performance in close games, with their last five wins coming by two runs or fewer. Four Atlanta relievers contributed to the victory, with Pierce Johnson securing the save.
The Nationals’ José Tena impressed with a two-run homer in his rookie season, but Washington struggled to drive in runs and left eight base runners stranded. Nationals manager Dave Martinez called for better hitting to improve scoring. Braves starter Charlie Morton pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and striking out six. The game was celebrated as Alumni Weekend with Morton pitching in front of former teammates.
The Braves took the lead with a tiebreaking RBI double from Matt Olson and a run-scoring single from d’Arnaud, who returned to the lineup after being hit by a pitch. Laureano sealed the victory with a ninth-inning homer. The Nationals placed RF Alex Call on the IL due to a foot injury, with C Drew Millas recalled from Triple-A Rochester.
In the series finale, Braves’ RHP Reynaldo López will face Nationals’ LHP DJ Herz. The Associated Press covered the game, highlighting the Braves’ winning streak and impactful performances from key players.
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