ATLANTA BRAVES DROP SECOND STRAIGHT TO WASHINGTON NATIONALS

The Atlanta Braves fell to the Washington Nationals 5-3 on Wednesday night in game three of a four-game set at Truist Park, which allowed Washington to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

The Nats jumped on the board first on an RBI single from Starling Castro in the top of the second. The Braves tied it up in the bottom of that inning on a solo home run by Dansby Swanson.

Washington broke that tie on a two-run homer by Juan Soto in the top of the fifth. Atlanta tied the game once again on two-run double by Ozzie Albies in the bottom of the seventh. And, once again, the Nats had the tiebreaker in the form of a solo home run by Yan Gomes in the eighth and added insurance on an RBI single from Trea Turner in the ninth.

AJ Minter was tagged with the loss for Atlanta. Starting pitcher Drew Smyly gave up three runs and seven hits, walked two, and struck out six in four and a third innings. Daniel Hudson was credited with the win in relief, and Brad Hand got the save for DC.

The Braves will conclude their series with the Nationals this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:20 pm. The game will be broadcast on WLAQ 1410 AM and 96.9 FM; air time is 11:05 am.