Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 6-4 Win Over Braves

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Sep 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Mark Melancon (43) throws to the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

No Need To Panic About Melancon

After a scoreless eighth inning by Koda Glover, Baker went to his closer in a non-save situation in the ninth inning. Mark Melancon had his fair share of struggles yesterday against Atlanta. He started off the inning by giving up back-to-back base hits and throwing a wild pitch (third of the season).

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While Freddie Freeman had an infield single to cut the lead to 6-3, Melancon was able to use his cutter to get Matt Kemp to ground into a 4-6-3 double play on a 2-0 count. Then, Anthony Recker flew out to Brian Goodwin in right field to end the game.

Melancon has been solid for the Washington Nationals since they acquired him from the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has converted all eight of his save chances and he has yet to give up a home run in 17 games (15.2 innings).

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With that being said, there is one team that Melancon seems to struggle against and that is the Braves. In seven games against Atlanta, Melancon has five saves, but his ERA is 4.26 and Atlanta is hitting .370 against him (highest of any team that has faced this season).

Since he joined the Nats, the only team who has scored a run against Melancon has been the Braves. Luckily, for Melancon, the Braves will not be one of the teams that Melancon will see in the postseason. Despite those bad numbers, it shouldn’t stop fans from beng confident when Melancon takes the mound in the ninth inning, whether its in a save or a non-save situation.

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