Braves beat Scherzer, Nats 2-1 on walk-off single in ninth

Max Scherzer breezed through the first four innings, allowing just one base hit with four strikeouts. But Braves third baseman Juan Uribe ripped a leadoff double in the fifth. Uribe then scored easily on a one-out single to center from shortstop Andrelton Simmons.

Scherzer has thrown 64 pitches through five frames.

Meanwhile, the Nationals have struggled to figure out Braves left-hander Manny Banuelos, who's making his major league debut. The rookie has struck out seven while only yielding two hits through five innings.

Denard Span led off the game with a single and Wilson Ramos added a base knock in the second.

Bryce Harper has whiffed in both of his at-bats against Banuelos.

Update: Banuelos recorded the first two outs of the sixth before plunking Span and Danny Espinosa in consecutive at-bats. After some discussions with Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, Banuelos departed with head athletic trainer Jeff Porter.

Banuelos gave up just two hits with seven strikeouts as his stellar debut ended abruptly after 5 2/3 innings.

Braves right-hander Nick Masset came out of the bullpen to get Yunel Escobar to line out to Uribe to end the Nats' scoring threat.

Update II: Harper ripped a liner off right-hander David Aardsma to lead off the seventh that center fielder Cameron Maybin had in his glove and then dropped on a sliding attempt. It went for a double, and Ramos capitalized with a bouncing ball to right field to quickly plate Harper to tie the game.

Scherzer has pitched at least eight innings for the fourth straight start. He's allowed just the one run while scattering three hits with nine strikeouts and no walks.

Harper has struck out three times for the first time since April 14.

Update III: Gonzalez sent Pedro Ciriaco in to pinch-hit to start the ninth, and Ciriaco delivered an infield single. Jace Peterson moved Ciriaco to second on a sacrifice bunt.

Maybin then pounded a chopper that skipped over Escobar. Third base umpire C.B. Bucknor ruled it a fair ball and Ciriaco scored easily to win the game.

The Braves beat the Nationals 2-1.