Nationals 1 - 2 Braves
Final
  for this game

Desmond error costly as Braves sneak past Nats

Sep 15, 2012 - 2:47 AM Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Andrelton Simmons scored the game-winning run after Ian Desmond's throw was off target as the Atlanta Braves edged the Washington Nationals, 2-1, on Friday.

Simmons opened the inning with an infield single then moved to third on a Michael Bourn single. Tyler Pastornicky then cued a grounder to Desmond and short, but his throw sailed past Kurt Suzuki at the plate and Simmons scored easily.

Simmons finished the game 2-for-3 and drove in a run for the Braves, who have won two in a row on the heels of a three-game skid.

Craig Kimbrel (2-1) earned the win after striking out the side in the ninth. Kris Medlen started for Atlanta and allowed one run on five hits and struck out a career-high 13 batters.

Sean Burnett (1-2) was charged with the loss after giving up the winning run in the ninth.

Atlanta broke a scoreless tie in the fourth when Freddie Freeman scored on a Simmons' sacrifice fly to right field. Freeman opened the frame with a double to left field before moving to third on a David Ross ground out. Simmons followed with the sacrifice fly.

With a runner on first in the fifth inning Jason Heyward lifted a fly ball deep to left field, but Roger Bernadina made a spectacular catch as he collided with the wall, robbing Heyward of an extra-base hit and potentially saving a run.

Bernadina was shaken up on the play, but remained in the game.

Bryce Harper knotted things up with a lead off homer in the sixth inning. It was the rookie's 19th of the season.

Game Notes

Medlen hasn't lost in his last 25 starts dating back to May 31, 2009 ...The Braves are 23-4 in Medlen's 27 career starts, and 9-0 this season ... Ross Detwiler started for the Nats. He allowed one run on seven hits and one walk while striking out five over six innings.






Related News