The Atlanta Braves received a much-needed shot in the arm Wednesday scoring a doubleheader sweep over the Washington Nationals to end their opening road trip on a high note. Max Fried wasn’t sharp in Game 1 but Atlanta’s offense bailed him out scoring seven runs. Atlanta’s bullpen wavered at the end but Will Smith got a ground ball double play to end it and give the Braves their first win of the season.
Game 2 featured a pitching duel between Atlanta’s Huascar Ynoa and Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg. Ynoa allowed just two hits and a walk over five scoreless innings. Strasburg was even better holding Atlanta to one hit and two walks over six. Pablo Sandoval came through again for the Braves with a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the seventh to give them the lead. Sean Newcomb struck out the side in the seventh to give Atlanta their second win of the day.
The Braves will enjoy an off day Thursday before beginning a seven-game homestand at Truist Park on Friday.