The euphoria of a last at-bat win the night before can't carry the Braves to a sweep of the Nationals on Mother's Day. The key play was the slowness of Adam LaRoche in getting to first once he fielded a ball hit by Nick Johnson. Johnson hustled down the line and arrived at the bag at the same time LaRoche, who was nonchalantly jogging to the bag, arrived at first. After that, which would have been the final out in the inning, the flood gates opened leading to four unearned runs, which put the game out of reach for the Braves.
The Braves played as if they were in neutral most of the day, perhaps tired from a quick turnaround from last night's game. They had their chances early, as they loaded the bases in the third inning, only to have Chipper Jones strikeout. All told, they managed only five hits on the afternoon, with the only run coming on a one out homerun by Wilson Betemit in the ninth inning.
Reliever Peter Moylan struggled with his control, allowing three more runs while only recording one out. This was the second straight game in which he has been hit hard. McBride relieved him, allowing one more run to score before getting out of the jam.
Kyle Davies will pitch tomorrow, and will try to exercise the demons that plagued him in his last start against these very same Marlins five days ago.
Washington 8, Atlanta 1 at Turner Field
Washington Record: (13-25)
Atlanta Record: (17-20)
Winning pitcher - Tony Armas (4-2)
Losing pitcher - John Thomson (1-3)