Anderson becomes the first Braves starter to go 7 innings

Ian Anderson delivered the best performance by a Braves starter this season in the victory. Here is the recap:

The details

Anderson rebounded from his last outing — pitching just three innings in his first loss — and allowed just one hit over seven innings against the Nats. The 22-year-old is the only Braves starter to pitch seven innings this season. He struck out nine and walked three — but issued no bases on balls after the second inning.

At the plate

Travis d’Arnaud had two hits. Marcell Ozuna and Ozzie Albies drove in the Braves’ runs with singles, Ozuna in the first, Albies in the fourth.

On the mound

Anderson (3-0) became the second pitcher in 120 years to allow one hit or fewer in two starts of at least six innings across his first four appearances, according to the Braves. Mark Melancon pitched the ninth for his 10th save.

Notable

■ Ronald Acuna Jr.’s left ankle looked fine. He took a foul ball off the ankle in Friday’s game, requiring an early exit, but started Saturday. He opened the game with a leadoff single, stole second and scored on Ozuna’s single.

■ Albies is 7-for-19 with a homer, double and three RBIs in four games since his return from the injured list. He has two three-hit games in that span.

■ The Braves’ starting rotation could get reinforcements soon. Ace Max Fried is expected to return late next week. Veteran lefty Cole Hamels is supposed to debut midweek.

Quotable

“It was a great learning experience, definitely. Every time I go out there, it’s going to be a learning experience no matter what the results are. So that’s how I looked at that second inning. I was able to reset a little bit after that inning, getting out of there. I was able to figure it out and that goes a long way for me and going forward.” — Ian Anderson after surviving first-inning trouble with two walks.

Next

The Braves start a three-game series at the Orioles today.