ATLANTA (AP) — In a heart-stopping conclusion that had spectators on their toes, Alex Verdugo faced Andrew Chafin with the game’s outcome hanging in the balance. In the tense bottom of the ninth, with Eli White positioned on second base, Verdugo smashed a crucial single right up the middle, enabling White to sprint home. This decisive play sealed a 4-3 triumph for the Atlanta Braves and marked the Washington Nationals’ sixth consecutive loss.
Things heated up in the ninth inning as White sparked the rally by hitting a single off Jackson Rutledge (0-1). Following this, Nick Allen executed a well-timed sacrifice, advancing White to second and setting the stage for Verdugo’s thrilling game-winning hit.
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On the mound, Grant Holmes showcased his skills by allowing just one run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings. His only slip came from a home run by James Wood in the fourth, but overall, he effectively contained the Nationals’ offense.
Marcell Ozuna contributed significantly to the Braves’ attack with two hits, highlighted by an impressive 464-foot home run off Jake Irvin in the fifth inning, bringing in two key runs and helping to maintain the Braves’ lead for a significant portion of the game.
However, the ninth inning took a dramatic turn when Raisel Iglesias (3-3) was tasked with preserving a narrow 3-1 lead. Following back-to-back singles from Keibert Ruiz and Luis García Jr., the atmosphere became tense. Although Josh Bell’s groundout to Iglesias seemed promising, a ground ball hit by Dylan Crews turned contentious when an errant throw from Allen allowed two runs to score, leveling the game and eliciting gasps from the crowd.
Key moment
The evening’s intensity was amplified by an unforgettable catch from Michael Harris II, who snatched a would-be extra-base hit from García. Demonstrating remarkable athleticism, he sprinted back, leaped high, and collided with the wall, yet managed to secure the ball. Harris appeared astonished by his own feat, while Holmes could only watch in disbelief from the mound, his glove resting atop his cap.
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Key stat
Highlighting his resilience and dedication, first baseman Matt Olson reached a significant milestone, playing in his 661st consecutive game—the longest active streak in Major League Baseball. This streak began on May 2, 2021.
Up next
Looking ahead, the Braves will pursue another victory as right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach seeks his second win against former Braves pitcher Michael Soroka, who is set to take the mound for the Nationals on Tuesday night.
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