Braves dominate Nationals 12-0 with Harris II’s 2 homers
- Michael Harris II hit two home runs, contributing to the Braves' total of four home runs in the game.
- Reynaldo López exited the game after one inning due to a right shoulder injury, leading to Jesse Chavez taking over on the mound.
- The Braves' victory allowed them to tie with the Mets for the final NL wild card spot.
On Tuesday night, the Atlanta Braves achieved a commanding 12-0 victory over the Washington Nationals, showcasing their offensive prowess with 15 hits and four home runs. Michael Harris II was a standout player, hitting two of those home runs, marking the fourth multi-homer game of his career. The Braves capitalized on a four-run third inning and added three more runs in the fourth, effectively chasing Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore from the game. Despite the Braves' offensive success, the game was marred by the early exit of their starting pitcher, Reynaldo López, who left after just one inning due to a right shoulder injury. López expressed surprise at the injury, noting a significant drop in his pitch velocity. Following his departure, Jesse Chavez stepped in and limited the Nationals to just one hit while striking out three batters, demonstrating the Braves' depth in pitching. The Nationals struggled offensively, managing only three hits throughout the game, and have now lost seven of their last ten games. This defeat further complicates their season as they continue to fight for victories. With this win, the Braves pulled even with the Mets for the final National League wild card spot, highlighting the importance of each game as the season progresses. The Braves will look to maintain their momentum in the next game against the Nationals, with Max Fried set to pitch against Jake Irvin.