Sandoval delivers for Braves, who sweep Nats

Atlanta pinch-hitter Pablo Sandoval drove a two-run homer to the deepest part of the ballpark off a Washington reliever who took over after Stephen Strasburg’s six scoreless innings Wednesday, lifting the visiting Braves to a 2-0 victory over the Nationals and a doubleheader sweep.

In the opener, Ronald Acuña Jr. led the way with a double and a pair of singles to help Atlanta snap a season-starting four-game losing streak by edging Washington 7-6.

Sandoval, the World Series MVP while with the Giants in 2012, signed a minor league contract in January with the Braves, setting him for a oneyear, $1 million deal if he made the 40-man roster.

The guy affectionately known as Kung Fu Panda drove a 96 mph fastball from the Nationals’ Tanner Rainey more than 400 feet following Dansby Swanson’s two-out single in the seventh and final inning.

Strasburg hadn’t pitched in a regular-season game since being shut down last August and having carpal tunnel surgery on his right wrist.

He allowed just one hit, struck out eight and walked two while exceeding his total inning output for 2020, which was just five.

CARDINALS 7, MARLINS 0 >> Yadier Molina hit a two-run homer and Dylan Carlson added a grand slam, leading St. Louis over Miami for a three-game sweep.

Jack Flaherty allowed one hit in six innings.

BREWERS 4, CUBS 2, 10 INNINGS >> Lorenzo Cain hit his second homer of the game, a three-run shot in the 10th inning, and Milwaukee beat Chicago.

INDIANS 4, ROYALS 2 >> José Ramírez’s second two-run homer of the game snapped a tie in the eighth against Greg Holland lifted Cleveland.

The Indians’ Shane Bieber struck out 12 for the second straight game,