Washington NationalsvsAtlanta Braves
WSH 3/ATL 8
Things to say
The Braves beat the Nationals 8-3 at Truist Park on Friday night.
01
opener
Braves took care of business at home, 8-3. Washington hung around early but Atlanta just kept adding on. Never really felt close after the middle innings.
02
key player
The heart of the order did the damage all night. Braves put up eight and most of it came from the three-four hitters squaring balls up.
03
hot take
Honestly the Nats' season is basically over. They're under .500 and buried in that division, this was just Atlanta reminding them of the gap.
04
deep cut
Atlanta's bullpen barely had to work, and on a getaway-style night that matters. Keeping your good arms fresh in August is half the battle.
05
exit
Braves are rolling at 66-45, so I'm watching if they can keep the foot on the gas the rest of the series.
The recap
Atlanta took care of business at home, thumping Washington 8-3 to keep rolling toward the top of the division. The Braves swung hot bats up and down the lineup and the heart of the order did the heavy lifting, turning a close one into a laugher.
Washington's starter couldn't get through the middle innings, and once the manager went to the pen the Braves piled on. At 66-45 the Braves look like a buzzsaw, while the Nats slip back under .500 at 55-57.