BTN News: The Atlanta Braves continued their impressive streak, clinching their fifth victory in six games with a thrilling 3-2 win over the Washington Nationals in extra innings. The game, which extended into the 10th inning, was decided by a defensive miscue that allowed Luke Williams to score the winning run, much to the delight of Braves fans. The critical play unfolded when Michael Harris II hit a sharp grounder that Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams fielded cleanly. However, Abrams’ errant throw to first base sailed wide, enabling Williams to race home from third and end the game in dramatic fashion.
Raisel Iglesias, the Braves’ reliable closer, played a pivotal role in securing the win. The Cuban right-hander delivered a stellar performance, working two crucial innings, striking out three, and notching his third win of the season. Iglesias has been in exceptional form, extending his streak of retiring consecutive batters to an impressive 38 after a perfect ninth inning. Although he hit Jacob Young with a pitch to start the 10th, Iglesias quickly regained his composure and retired the next three batters to keep the game tied, setting the stage for the Braves’ walk-off win.
Michael Harris II also made a significant impact on the game beyond his final at-bat. He provided an early spark for Atlanta by launching a solo home run to kick off the scoring in the first inning, setting the tone for a tightly contested matchup. The Braves’ offense, however, found it challenging to break through against Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore, who delivered a strong outing. Gore pitched six innings, allowing just one run on seven hits while striking out four without issuing a walk, keeping the Nationals competitive throughout his time on the mound.
On the other side, the Braves’ starting pitcher, Chris Sale, put in a workmanlike effort, going seven innings and giving up two runs on nine hits. While Sale’s four strikeouts tied his season-low, he managed to keep the Braves within striking distance, thanks to his ability to limit the damage despite facing numerous base runners.
The Nationals’ offense was led by a quartet of Venezuelan players, with Juan Yépez, Ildemaro Vargas, Keibert Ruiz, and Andrés Chaparro all contributing hits. Yépez went 2-for-4 and scored a run, while Chaparro drove in two runs with a key hit that momentarily gave Washington the lead. Despite these efforts, the Nationals couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, ultimately falling short in the extra frame.
The Braves’ lineup also saw notable contributions, particularly from Dominican players Ramón Laureano and Marcell Ozuna. Laureano was a standout performer, going 3-for-4, while Ozuna chipped in with a hit as well. Venezuelan infielder Orlando Arcia added an RBI single, and Colombian third baseman Gio Urshela scored a crucial run in the winning effort.
For the Nationals, Eduardo Salazar was tagged with the loss, as he was on the mound when the game’s decisive play occurred. Despite a valiant effort, Salazar’s misfortune in the 10th inning overshadowed what had been a strong bullpen performance by Washington leading up to that point.
This game not only highlighted the Braves’ resilience but also their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, a trait that has fueled their success throughout the season. With this win, Atlanta continues to assert itself as one of the premier teams in the league, showcasing a blend of power, pitching, and timely hitting that will be crucial as they march toward the postseason.
The Braves’ victory over the Nationals was a testament to their deep roster and clutch performances in critical moments. As the season progresses, Atlanta will look to build on this momentum, with their sights set firmly on a deep playoff run.
