May 22, 2013
Saturday, September 15, 2012
ATLANTA (AP) -- Pinch-runner Jeff Baker scored the go-ahead run in the eighth inning when reliever Ryan Mattheus hit Andrelton Simmons' uniform with a bases-loaded pitch that helped the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 5-4 on Saturday.
Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman homered for the Braves, who have won the first two games in the series and nine of 13.
Atlanta moved within 6 1/2 games of first-place Washington in the NL East. The Braves began the game with a seven-game lead over third-place Los Angeles in the NL wild-card race.
Braves closer Craig Kimbrel earned his 36th save in 39 ties after striking out the side.
Eric O'Flaherty (3-0) faced the minimum in the eighth for Atlanta, extending his scoreless innings streak to 19 1-3 innings, a span of 22 games.
Mattheus (5-2) allowed one hit, one walk, two walks and no strikeouts.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press
