The Atlanta Braves hold sole possession of first place in the National League East with a 6-5 win over the Washington Nationals on Sunday in the finale of a three-game weekend series between the division rivals at Nationals Park up in Washington DC (as well as a loss by the Philadelphia Phillies). The Braves swept the series and have won 10 of their last 12 outings.
Dansby Swanson had a two-run homer that gave Atlanta a 3-0 lead in the top of the third inning; it was his fourth home run of that series and his 24th of the 2021 season.
That was one of three home runs for the Braves on Sunday. The second was a solo shot from Freddie Freeman in the fifth, his 25th homer of this year. And that was immediately followed by a solo shot off the bat of Austin Riley, also his 25th home run of the season.
Jesse Chavez was credited with the win in relief for Atlanta, while Will Smith picked up the save. Paulo Espino took the loss for Washington.
Atlanta improved to 62-56 with their win and hold a one-game lead over the second place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. Washington is now last in that division at 50-68.
The Braves will be down in Miami, FL to open another division series versus the Marlins this evening. First pitch is slated for 7:10 pm. That game will be broadcast on WLAQ 1410 AM and 96.9 FM; air time is 5:55 pm.