The Atlanta Braves opened up a nine-game homestand with an 8-5 win over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night in game one of a three-game set among rivals in the National League East at Truist Park.
The Nationals jumped on the board first with an RBI single by Atlanta-area native Carter Kieboom in the top of the first. The Braves struck back with a three-run homer from Adam Duvall in the bottom of that inning.
Atlanta tacked on two more runs with an RBI double from Travis d’Arnaud in the third and a sac fly by Ozzie Albies in the fourth. But Washington scored four runs during the top of seventh, thanks in part to a three-run homer from Yadiel Hernandez, to tie the ballgame. Albies delivered the tie-breaker with a two-run homer during the bottom of that inning; he has had home runs in the past four straight games.
Albies added some insurance with an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning, and the Braves won the game, again, by a final score of 8-5.
Luke Jackson picked up the win in relief, while Will Smith picked up his 31st save of the season for Atlanta. Starting pitcher Max Fried gave up a run and six hits, walked four, and struck out five in six innings of work. Washington reliever Ryne Harper took the loss.
The Braves improved to 73-64 on the 2021 season and increased their lead in the NL East to two and a half games over the Philadelphia Phillies (who lost to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night). The Nationals remain tied with the Miami Marlins for last place in the division at 57-81. The Braves and the Nats will meet again this evening at 7:20 pm. The game will be broadcast on WLAQ 1410 AM and 96.9 FM; air time is 6:05 pm.