MLB wrap: Braves top Nationals to run winning streak to seven

Arthur Weinstein

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MLB wrap: Braves top Nationals to run winning streak to seven image

The Braves' march to the NL East title continued Thursday with a 4-2 win over the Nationals.

It's Atlanta's seventh straight win.

Left-hander Max Fried was brilliant, yielding only one hit and striking out nine in seven shutout innings. Ronald Acuna Jr. keyed the offense with a solo home run and a pair of runs scored.

It was the 21-year-old's 37th home run of the season. According to ESPN, only three players have hit more home runs in a season before age 22: Hall of Famers Eddie Mathews, who hit 47, Mel Ott (42), and Frank Robinson (38).

The win gives Atlanta (87-54) an eight-game lead over the second-place Nationals (78-61) in the NL East. The Braves' seat atop the division has never seemed in danger since the All-Star break. The Braves have had a consistently "safe" lead of around five to seven games throughout the second half.

Now, they have a chance to issue a death blow to their closest rivals, the Nationals and Phillies. Thursday's matchup with the Nationals was the first of 14 straight games the Braves have with Washington and Philadelphia that will see them play home and away series against each team through Sept. 19. The Phillies are on the verge of elimination in the division race, but are still just four games back in the wild-card race. The Nationals have a two-game lead in the wild-card chase.

Studs of the night

Kyle Schwarber's grand slam highlighted a five-run sixth inning as the Cubs beat the Brewers 10-5.

Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds had two home runs and drove in three runs in a 10-7 loss to the Marlins. Speaking of hot rookies, Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette also had two homers and three RBIs Thursday, in a 6-4 loss to the Rays.

Mariners Austin Nola and Kyle Seager both had a pair of home runs against the Astros.

Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien was a perfect 4 for 4 at the plate and scored three runs in a 10-6 win against the Angels.

Dud of the night

Giants starter Logan Webb got touched for seven earned runs in 2 2/3 innings in a 10-0 loss to the Cardinals.

Highlights

After 13 innings, Michael Brantley says, "Enough!" and wins the game for the Astros with a walk-off homer against the Mariners.

Marlins left-hander Brian Moran made his MLB debut Thursday, and he picked up his first strikeout against a familiar face — his younger brother, Pirates third baseman Colin Moran. According to Elias Sports Bureau, it's the first time since 1900 a brother has faced his brother in a pitcher vs. batter matchup in his MLB debut.

Phillip Ervin sticks a dagger in the Phillies' hearts with this walk-off shot for the Reds in the 11th.

What's Next

Yankees (92-49) at Red Sox (75-65), 7:10 p.m. ET — It's the Yankees and Red Sox in September, although this one doesn't seem so special with Boston on the verge of elimination in the AL East, and longshots at this point to even win a wild-card spot. Yankees starter Domingo Germán (17-3, 4.01) still has a good shot at 20 victories.

Arthur Weinstein