With Friday’s victory, the Braves have prolonged the misery of the internationals. The defending champions are closer to the absolute choice n. 1 in the draft versus a spot in the expanded post-season field. Washington is 12-24, having lost seven in a row and 10 of 11. He follows the Braves for 10-1 / 2 games in the National League East.
The Braves, meanwhile, have won their fifth consecutive game since losing two in Philadelphia. They beat the Phillies in the series finale, wiped out the Red Sox in Boston and returned home to defeat the Nationals.
Notes from game 1:
– This was the Tommy Milone the Braves were expecting when they acquired him from the Orioles last weekend. The southpaw conceded a six-stroke run in four innings. He took out three and in particular didn’t go for a walk.
Milone’s debut on Sunday was bad, but also under less than ideal circumstances, as he was traded early in the day and flew from Buffalo to Philadelphia for the start. On Friday he looked much more comfortable, circling around danger and forcing the internationals to put the ball into play.
– Helping Milone’s case was Adam Duvall, who robbed Yan Gomes of a home run in the fourth. After Asdrubal Cabrera tripled to start the inning, Gomes appeared to cut the Braves’ 3-0 lead on a run, but Duvall jumped and took the ball over the left field wall, leaving Gomes with a sacrificial sprint.
– Shortstop Dansby Swanson, who moved to second place in order with Acuna’s return, hit a two-run homer in Voth’s third. He added a single RBI in the sixth.
Earlier in the day, Swanson was 25 of 75 (.333) with three homers, seven doubles and seven RBI in his last 17 games. Aim for two more shots, including the humerus, and three RBI from game 1.
– First baseman Freddie Freeman chose in the first inning to extend his winning streak to 17 games.
