Braves Dominate Nationals 11-5 for Ninth Straight Win; Acuña Shines, Sale Gets First Win vs. Washington

AP Photo/Colin Hubbard

Braves Dominate Nationals 11-5 for Ninth Straight Win; Acuña Shines, Sale Gets First Win vs. Washington The Atlanta Braves are heating up at the perfect time. With the postseason on the horizon, Atlanta extended its winning streak to nine games—their longest since the 2023 season—with a convincing 11–5 victory over the Washington Nationals on Monday night at Truist Park. Chris Sale Notches Milestone WinVeteran left-hander Chris Sale (6–5) overcame early command issues to pick up his first career win against the Nationals, a team that had previously eluded him. In his 19th start of the season, Sale allowed five runs—matching a season high—on just three hits over five innings. Despite the rough stat line, he benefited from ample run support and timely defense. With this win, Sale now has victories against 27 of the 30 MLB clubs, with only the Marlins, Cardinals, and Braves (ironically) remaining on his list. Offensive Onslaught Powered by Acuña and BaldwinNational League MVP candidate Ronald Acuña Jr. led the charge offensively, reaching base five times. He belted a solo home run, drew three walks, and was hit by a pitch, serving as the engine of Atlanta’s relentless attack.

Rookie catcher Drake Baldwin continued to make a strong case for NL Rookie of the Year honors. Baldwin went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, extending his RBI streak to six straight games. His emergence has provided crucial depth to an already potent Braves lineup. Key Moment Turns the TideThe turning point came in the bottom of the third inning. With the bases loaded, Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim worked a check-swing walk on a controversial call that sparked fireworks. Home plate umpire Dan Iassogna appealed to first base ump Manny Gonzalez, who ruled Kim had held up. Nationals interim manager Miguel Cairo was ejected after vehemently arguing the decision. The Braves took full advantage of the call, pouring on five runs in the inning to break the game wide open. Injury Blow to AlbiesAtlanta’s win wasn’t without cost. All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies left the game in the third inning with a fractured hamate bone in his left hand after fouling off a pitch. He attempted to stay in the game but exited shortly after and was attended to by team trainers. The injury is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the regular season and potentially into the playoffs.

Pitching Woes Continue for NationalsNationals starter MacKenzie Gore (5–15) lasted just two innings, surrendering four runs on four hits. His struggles have mirrored those of the team, which continues to limp toward the finish line of another rebuilding season.

Reliable ReliefLeft-hander José Suarez pitched three scoreless innings in relief for Atlanta, earning his first save of the season and preserving the Braves’ comfortable lead.

What’s NextThe Braves (91–61) will look to keep the momentum going Tuesday night as rookie right-hander Hurston Waldrep (5–1, 3.04 ERA) takes the mound. He’ll face Nationals righty Brad Lord (5–8, 4.18 ERA) in the second game of the series.

With October approaching, Atlanta is not only peaking at the right time—they’re proving they’re a serious World Series contender.