Braves beat Nationals 2-1 behind Anderson’s strong outing

WASHINGTON (AP) » The Atlanta Braves have one of the best offenses in baseball, yet eventually will need to rely on pitching to get the job done.

Right now, that’s coming in form of rookie Ian Anderson.

Anderson allowed one hit over seven scoreless innings and the NL East-leading Braves held on to beat the Washington Nationals 2-1 on Saturday night after closer Mark Melancon escaped a basesloaded jam in the ninth.

In his fourth career start, Anderson (3-0) allowed his only hit when Asdrúbal Cabrera put a bunt down the third baseline. Anderson had a season-high nine strikeouts, allowed three walks and retired the last 12 batters he faced and 18 of the final 19.

Anderson is the second pitcher over the last 120 years to allow one hit or less in two starts of at least six innings in his first four appearances.