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Hudson, Braves blank Nationals

Sep 16, 2007 - 9:46 PM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Though time is running out on their playoff hopes, the Atlanta Braves are still fighting.

Tim Hudson pitched a shutout and Mark Teixeira hit a two-run single as the Braves topped the Washington Nationals, 3-0, in the finale of a three-game series Sunday.

Kelly Johnson added a solo home run in the victory, which moved the Braves (76-73) to within five games of the National League wild card-leading San Diego Padres (80-67).

"At this time of year any win is big and you like to give the bullpen a break," Hudson said. "I hadn't had (a shutout) all year. It was nice to finally get one."

Atlanta is 7 1/2 games back of the first-place New York Mets (83-65) in the NL East, but with 13 games remaining, winning the division is unlikely. The Mets lost to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday and the Padres are in action against the San Francisco Giants.

"It was another win we needed to get," Teixeira said. "We still have a chance, so we are going to keep trying. We know we have our work cut out for us."

In earning his 10th career shutout and the 21st complete game of his career, Hudson (16-8) allowed seven hits and one walk while striking out six. The Nationals rarely threatened against the righthander, getting a runner to third base just once.

Hudson also sparked the Atlanta offense with a leadoff single in the third. After back-to-back walks loaded the bases, Teixeira delivered his two-run single to right field.

"I gave the pitcher a gimme pitch to hit on an 0-2 count, which is completely unacceptable," Washington starter Shawn Hill said.

Though that would be all the offense Hudson would need, Johnson padded the lead with his 16th home run of the season in the fourth.

Hudson has won each of his four starts against Washington this season and owns a 0.60 ERA against the team during that span.

"(Hudson) has pitched well against this team," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "He had the sinker and the breaking stuff working."

Atlanta's Edgar Renteria, who entered Sunday leading the National League in batting, went hitless and saw his average fall to .334.

Hill (4-4) allowed all three Atlanta runs, five hits and four walks while striking out two in five innings. He has been battling shoulder problems and announced after the game that he would have a medical procedure done after the season - though he doesn't know the specifics just yet.

"It doesn't bother me too, too much, but it's there," he said. "It's manageable to the point where I can pitch, so it's just something I've got to put up with for now. I'll just get through the next two starts and then next season I should be OK."