Anthony Rendon stays hot as Washington Nationals top Atlanta Braves, 9-1
By Pablo Roa
Hot-hitting Anthony Rendon drove in four runs as the Washington Nationals topped the Atlanta Braves, 9-1, Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park.
After another strong day for the offense and an impressive pitching performance from starter Tanner Roark, the Washington Nationals defeated the Atlanta Braves, 9-1, to secure a series win over the Braves at home.
It all started with Roark, who allowed just one run on five hits over seven great innings. The right-hander picked up his 13th win of the season, improving his record to 13-6 and lowering his ERA to 2.81.
Of course, it helped that he got run support from his offense — and a lot of it.
More from District on Deck
- Latest DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code in Maryland: Bet $5, Win $200 Guaranteed
- Nationals Claim Jeter Downs Off Waivers
- Washington Nationals Minor League Spotlight: Robert Hassell III
- Washington Nationals Tuesday Q&A
- 3 Free Agents the Nationals Should Gamble On
The Nationals scored their first three runs on an RBI bunt single by Ben Revere, an RBI double by Bryce Harper, and a sacrifice fly by Anthony Rendon. All three runs came in the bottom of the first inning, and the Nationals were off to a quick 3-0 lead.
In the top of the third, the Braves scored their first and only run an an RBI single off the bat of Erick Aybar.
Two innings later, the Nationals’ offense exploded. Washington made it a 4-1 game on a sacrifice fly by Wilson Ramos. A three-run homer by Rendon later in the inning stretched their lead to 7-1. An RBI single by Ramos in the seventh made it an 8-1 game, before the Nats scored their ninth run on a solo homer by Chris Heisey in the bottom of the eighth.
The win wasn’t the only good news for the Nationals. After missing five straight games with a stiff neck, reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper returned to the lineup today and went 1-for-3 with an RBI, a walk and two runs scored.
Next: Washington Nationals: Jonathan Papelbon’s Time In DC A Failure
It remains to be seen if Harper can snap out of his months-long slump at the plate and help the Nationals down the stretch. One thing’s for certain, it’s good to have Harper back in the lineup. And fortunately for the Nationals, his return coincided with another big win for his team.
Next Up: After taking two out of three from the Braves, the Nationals visit Colorado tomorrow night for the first game of a three-game series. The Nationals have yet to announce who their starter will be for tomorrow’s game, while Jorge De La Rosa gets the start for the Rockies. First pitch is set for 8:40 p.m. ET.