Nationals Gain Split, Beat Braves 6-2
It was an All Star showdown at Nationals Park as Max Scherzer looked for his third consecutive victory-which would be his thirteenth on the season-against Mike Foltynewitcz of the Atlanta Braves.
Rain was a great annoyance this afternoon as the game-which was originally scheduled for a 1:35 start, did not start until 3:30 PM. However, once the game finally got underway, the Nationals wasted no time leaving their mark on the game, jumping on Foltynewitcz early for a 3-0 lead on the strength of a two run double from Anthony Rendon and a fielder’s choice by Juan Soto. The Braves rallied with a fielder’s choice from Dansby Swanson in the second inning and a single-also from Swanson-in the fourth to cut the Nationals lead to 3-2. Washington would only add to their lead from here on a single from Bryce Harper in the sixth inning, the Nationals took a 4-2 lead into the second rain delay. After the delay, Matt Adams hit an RBI single and Home Run Derby Champion Bryce Harper hit a solo home run to center to give the Nationals a 6-2 lead. From there, Kelvin Herrera shut the door, picking up the final 5 outs to ensure a 6-2 Nationals victory and a split in this rain-shortened series on an afternoon where the offense pulled together an impressive 15 hits.
Nationals will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers in a three game series this week.
