Braves beat Nationals 4-3 in 10 innings to win series
Camargo, bullpen step up as red-hot Braves beat Nats
WASHINGTON — The Atlanta Braves are getting contributions from almost everyone on their roster, playing all three phases of baseball at a high level and riding a hot streak that’s been sprinkled with a healthy portion of good luck.
With all that going for them, it’s no surprise the division leaders are beginning to widen the gap between themselves and their pursuers in the National League East.
Johan Camargo delivered a two-run, pinch-hit homer in the 10th inning Sunday afternoon, and Atlanta held on to beat the Washington Nationals 4-3. The Braves took two of three from the Nationals to earn their fifth consecutive series win, using the long ball and their bullpen to overcome an injury to standout rookie starting pitcher Mike Soroka in the finale.
For the first time since June 12, Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman failed to drive in a run. His streak of 10 straight games with an RBI had matched the franchise record set by Sid Gordon in August 1951.
No matter. Starring roles were played by Camargo, third baseman Josh Donaldson and 34-year-old reliever Josh Tomlin, who threw four innings of onehit relief to cover for the loss of Soroka.
“It’s incredible. There’s a new hero every single night,” Soroka said. “We really do feel like a team. It’s awesome to see.”
Donaldson had two hits, including a home run, and Ronald Acuña Jr. also went deep for Atlanta, which expanded its lead to 6 1/2 games over Philadelphia and 8 1/2 over the thirdplace
Nationals.
Soroka had the misfortune of being struck in the right arm by a pitch from Austin Voth in the third inning. Luckily for him and the Braves, X-rays were negative and the team won anyway.
“I’ve been hit by enough pucks and baseballs in my lifetime to know what the aftermath is of getting hit,” said Soroka, who’s from Canada. “It’s just a bruise, so it’s good.”
Unbeaten since April 18 and sporting an 8-1 record, the 21-yearold allowed one hit, faced the minimum six batters and lowered his ERA to 2.07.
Tomlin replaced Soroka and stymied the Nationals through the sixth. He left with a 2-0 lead that quickly dissipated in the seventh as Juan Soto homered off Grant Dayton and Gerardo Parra followed with an RBI single off Jacob Webb.
That didn’t mar an otherwise top-notch performance by six Atlanta relievers. A.J. Minter (2-4) worked the ninth inning, and Luke Jackson earned his 11th save of the year despite giving up a run, two hits and a walk.
Camargo connected in the 10th off Tanner Rainey (1-2) after Ozzie Albies drew a one-out walk, but Atlanta held on for its seventh victory in 10 extra-inning games this season.
“This lineup and this pitching staff have been clicking on all go,” Soroka said. “We’ve got all three parts of the game going hot.”
Before the game, the Braves optioned right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (2-5, 6.37 ERA) to Triple-A Gwinnett and recalled right-hander Chad Sobotka from the same club. Foltynewicz, a firsttime All-Star last summer, gave up eight runs in four innings Saturday, though Atlanta rallied for a 13-9 win.
“It’s just frustrating. I have a 7.00 ERA on a first-place team,” he said afterward.
Said Braves pitching coach Rick Kranitz: “He’s an All-Star, and he has great stuff. He just needs to go down, clear his head and relax and start making pitches.”
The Nationals have lost two in a row after winning five straight, but catcher Yan Gomes wasn’t discouraged by the weekend’s results.
“After today and (Saturday), we know we’re capable of keeping up with any of these guys,” he said. “We gave ourselves a chance to win today, and it didn’t come our way.”