Left-hander Gio Gonzalez allowed a solo homer to Nick Markakis that led off the top of the second inning. The Braves have managed at least one base hit each inning, but to Gonzalez's credit, he wiggled out of those threats to allow just one run through three frames.
Braves right-hander AnÃbal Sánchez pitched two innings, allowing only one base hit from Trea Turner, a single in the first. But he was replaced by Wes Parsons to begin the third. The right-hander made his major league debut and got into some trouble.
Gonzalez singled and Adam Eaton singled with one out. Turner walked. With the bases loaded, Juan Soto walked to score Gonzalez. Anthony Rendon's sacrifice fly to deep left field brought home Eaton.
Sánchez had to leave the game for precautionary reasons because of a left calf contusion. He threw only 26 pitches, 16 for strikes. He surrendered only one hit in those two frames, with no runs, no walks and one strikeout. It is the second time in the series the Braves have lost their starter to injury early in the game. Left-hander Max Fried pitched only two innings Tuesday in game one because of a groin strain.
After three innings, the Nats lead the Braves 2-1.
Update: Michael A. Taylor, subbing for injured Bryce Harper (swollen right shin), crushed a solo homer off of Parsons with one out in the bottom of the fourth. It was his sixth homer of the season.
After four innings, the Nats lead the Braves 3-1.
Update II: Rendon singled and Daniel Murphy doubled to add on against Parsons in the sixth. Murphy has eight doubles and 24 RBIs now on the season.
After six innings, the Nats lead the Braves 4-1.
Update III: The Nats could not have asked for a better start from Gonzalez. Allowed a solo homer and that was all over seven innings. He gave up six total hits, one run, one walk and struck out three on 94 pitches, 60 for strikes. Gonzalez has pitched seven innings in both of his starts against Atlanta.
After seven innings, the Nats lead the Braves 4-1.
Update IV: Ronald Acuña, Jr., greeted Justin Miller with a no doubt solo homer to left field in the eighth.
Mid-eighth, the Nats lead down to 4-2.
Update V: Facing left-hander Adam McCreery, also making his major league debut, the Nats reeled off four more hits highlighted by RBI singles from Ryan Zimmerman and pinch-hitter Mark Reynolds.
After eight innings, the Nats lead 6-2.
Update VI: Against Ryan Madson in the ninth, the Braves earned a sacrifice fly run scored off the bat of Dansby Swanson. Madson got pinch-hitter Johan Camargo to strike out to end the game.
Final score: The Nats 6, the Braves 3.