But he rounded them quicker than nearly every big-leaguer does upon hitting their first homer; Swanson completed the inside-the-park dash to record his first major league home run.
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Chris Heisey, playing for Werth in left field, added a three-run home run in the third inning – his ninth of the season and third in his last three starts – to help provide the Nationals the insurance would need because of a late stumble.
Taylor scored the go-ahead run on catcher Tyler Flowers’ throwing error as part of a three-run eighth inning as the Nationals defeated Atlanta 9-7.
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Joel De La Cruz throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Washington.
“You’ve got to believe and think it and everybody was believing”, Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. I just knew even at 98 pitches I was still strong.
“We left a lot of guys on against him, but that’s why he is who he is, too”, Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said.
Atlanta’s previous first inside-the-park home run was by Wes Helms on October 7, 2001. After Koda Glover relieved Scherzer with a scoreless eighth inning, Mark Melancon, pitching in a non-save situation, surrendered two runs before recording an out in the ninth but wiggled out without further damage. But Washington blasted starter Williams Perez in the third inning, collecting three singles before Anthony Rendon launched an 0-2 pitch to left for his first career grand slam.
The rookie Braves shortstop smacked a Gio Gonzalez pitch deep to center field in the second inning of Tuesday night’s game at Nationals Park.
The Atlanta Braves rookie shortstop made his Major League Baseball debut on August 17, and his first round-tripper came Tuesday against the Washington Nationals. Daniel Murphy has logged 168 hits with 83 runs, 25 homers and 98 RBI.
Gonzalez gave up six runs in three innings plus two batters but also did not figure in the decision.
OF Ender Inciarte singled twice to extend his hitting streak to 17 games, two shy of his career high.
Braves: Snitker said he hopes RHP Matt Wisler (sore side) can return to the rotation next week. Washington recalled INF Wilmer Difo and RHP Lucas Giolito from Triple-A Syracuse. Weber gave up five runs in three innings before Jed Bradley took over in the fourth. He entered the night with a.236 with four RBIs in 55 at-bats. Atlanta RHP Mike Foltynewicz (8-5, 4.31) is slated to pitch Wednesday against Washington.
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As for the Nationals, they’re 85-39 in their last 124 Wednesday games, and 6-1 in their last seven games against a right-handed starter. Strasburg, sidelined with right elbow soreness, threw bullpens every other day this past week and came away feeling great.
