More misfortune for Miller, Braves drop 11th straight in 8-2 loss to Nats

Shelby Miller's winless streak is at 20 starts following another forgettable night in Washington. A couple of defensive flubs led to some facepalm-worthy moments as the Braves' losing streak reaches 11 games with an 8-2 loss to the Nationals.

The first of these started in the third inning when Cameron Maybin lost a fly ball hit to center by Ian Desmond for a gift double. Desmond would eventually score on a wild pitch that Christian Bethancourt failed to block. After Jayson Werth doubled, Anthony Rendon singled him in, and then Bryce Harper went deep for a two-run homer.

However, that was nothing compared to the fourth inning. With two on, Wilson Ramos hit a tapper about 10 feet up the third base line; Bethancourt picked it up and missed on a swipe tag of Yunel Escobar coming home; he then flipped the ball to Miller covering home, who didn't see the ball as it rolled away, allowing Ian Desmond to score.

Miller allowed one more run in the fifth before being lifted with one out. His final line: 4.1 IP, 7 hits, 7 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR.

Gio Gonzalez held Atlanta's offense hitless until Nick Markakis singled leading off the sixth, and even then they left the bases loaded. The Braves finally broke through with a pair of runs in the eighth.

The Braves will try again to break their skid Sunday afternoon.