The Washington Nationals won their fifth straight game on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves. The Nationals pitching wasn’t great but the offense came alive and led them to a 9-8 win. The Nationals are now 51-85 on the season.
Jason Bergmann started for the Nationals and was not at his best. Bergmann couldn’t get through the fifth inning as he lasted only 4.1 innings. He gave up eight hits and six earned runs but did receive a no decision. Steven Shell through the ninth inning to pick up his first win of the season.
The top three batters in the Washington lineup each had three hits (Hernandez, Guzman, and Zimmerman) while the next three batters all had two hits (Milledge, Belliard, and Elijah Dukes). Jesus Flores went only 1-5 but did drive in three runs and Milledge and Dukes each scored a pair of runs. They won in the bottom of the ninth when Elijah Dukes drew a bases loaded walk.
The Braves and Nats will wrap up their series on Sunday afternoon. Collin Balester is scheduled to start for Washington. Game time is 1:35pm.